Copper ores and concentrates market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Italy's trade in copper ores and concentrates showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. Imports fell from 261.1 t in 2018 to just 48.4 t in 2020, then rebounded to 181.0 t in 2021. Exports followed a similar pattern, declining from 296.7 t in 2018 to 96.6 t in 2020 before edging up to 115.4 t in 2021.

The Italian market for copper ores and concentrates shrank consistently from 2022 to 2024, with market volume falling from 881.9 t to 668.2 t and production dropping from 767.0 t to 620.0 t. This decline occurred against a backdrop of global geopolitical tensions and supply-chain risks that limited copper availability. Additionally, the lack of new mining investments in Italy, due to weak returns and environmental concerns, further constrained domestic production.

Production copper ores and concentrates in Italy

According to Faostat, there is no production of copper ores and concentrates in Italy.

Exports copper ores and concentrates from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's cross-border shipments of copper ores and concentrates declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 96.6 tons, marking a moderate year-over-year drop of 9.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 59.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, reaching 296.7 tons, which represented a 24.3% rise. However, the following year saw the steepest decline, with exports falling by 64.0% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of copper ores and concentrates from Italy were Czechia, accounting for 23.1% of exports in kind, Bosnia and Herzegovina with 20.6%, and Spain at 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented 53.7% of Italy's total exports in kind during this period.

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, K $ US

Italy's exports of copper ores and concentrates in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported $439,000 worth of these materials, showing a limited contraction of 5.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 46.5%, with an annualized rate of 18.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at $1,134,000, reflecting a 38.2% increase. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 58.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Italy's exports in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. The leading destinations were Czechia, with 20.8% of exports in value terms, Bosnia and Herzegovina at 17.6%, and Iran with 8.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 46.8% of the total export flows.

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 ores and concentrates to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of copper ores and concentrates declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported a total of 1,000 tons, reflecting a steep contraction of 72.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 91.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 55.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Armenia, China, and Turkey consistently led as the top sources for Italy's imports of copper ores and concentrates in kind. Armenia accounted for 30.1% of imports, China for 17.5%, and Turkey for 15.5%. Together, these three countries represented 63.1% of the total import flows during this timeframe.

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, K $ US

Italy's imports of copper ores and concentrates in value terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume amounted to $271,000, down by 29.0% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 81.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 43.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Armenia, China, and Belgium formed the core group of markets for Italy's imports in value terms. Armenia contributed 19.7% of imports, China 19.3%, and Belgium 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 54.3% of the 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