Copper bars, rods and profiles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for copper bars, rods and profiles in Italy contracted in volume from 489.8 thousand tons to 379.0 thousand tons. This period was characterized by a notable increase in production collaborations among companies, particularly within the construction and industrial sectors, and the growing influence of sustainability and recycling regulations on production methods.

A strong recovery followed in 2021 and 2022, with market volume rising to 444.1 thousand tons and then 506.5 thousand tons. The rebound was primarily driven by excess demand from China, which tightened global supply and supported prices, and a significant expansion of Italian public procurement, which spurred demand for copper in infrastructure projects. A concurrent 30% surge in copper prices further elevated the market's value.

The market volume retreated to 390.1 thousand tons in 2023, a shift coinciding with the restructuring of a major player, KME, which spun off its Bars and Profiles business into an independent subsidiary. Industry reports also pointed to a tightening supply of copper concentrates affecting refined product availability. By 2024, the market volume saw a slight stabilization at 377.2 thousand tons, as firms continued to invest in automation and sustainable production technologies.

Production copper bars, rods and profiles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of copper bars, rods, and profiles declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 982 million US dollars, marking a 3.3% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 24%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 587 million US dollars, which saw a 23.0% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 36.0% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production volume of copper bars, rods, and profiles fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 404.5 thousand tonnes were produced, indicating a 3.2% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 18.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.5%. The peak volume was in 2018 at 519.3 thousand tonnes, which saw a 4.8% increase. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 19.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports copper bars, rods and profiles from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of copper bars, rods, and profiles from Italy declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 89.1 thousand tonnes, down by 13.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 20.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, Germany, and France were the main buyers of copper bars, rods, and profiles from Italy. Tunisia accounted for 33.4% of exports in kind, Germany for 16.0%, and France for 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up 60.1% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's exports of copper bars, rods, and profiles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 502.4 million US dollars, down by 14.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 656.3 million US dollars, which saw a 2.3% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, Germany, and France were the primary destinations for Italy's exports of copper bars, rods, and profiles in value terms. Tunisia accounted for 35.5% of exports, Germany for 15.4%, and France for 10.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 61.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports copper bars, rods and profiles to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of copper bars, rods, and profiles declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 63.6 thousand tonnes, showing a 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 5.8%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.0%. The peak volume was in 2018 at 75.8 thousand tonnes, which saw a 12.4% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 9.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and France were the main sources for Italy's imports of copper bars, rods, and profiles in kind. Germany accounted for 47.6% of imports, Spain for 8.2%, and France for 6.6%. Together, these three countries made up 62.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy's imports of copper bars, rods, and profiles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 351.2 million US dollars, down by 6.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 447.3 million US dollars, which saw an 18.5% increase. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 15.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and France were the key sources for Italy's imports of copper bars, rods, and profiles in value terms. Germany accounted for 46.4% of imports, Spain for 7.6%, and France for 7.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 61.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020