Envelopes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian envelopes market displayed notable volatility between 2018 and 2021. After a decline in 2019, market volume rebounded in 2020 but fell sharply by 19.5% in 2021 to 22 876 tonnes. During this period, the broader Italian paper and board industry was expanding, fueled by the growth of e-commerce and new production capacities that entered operation, which increased demand for packaging materials.

Market volume recovered over 2022 and 2023, rising by 11% and 1.5% respectively. The market value saw a significant increase of 10.2% in 2023, reaching 88.2 million US dollars. This coincided with a 2.4% growth in packaging production and substantially higher raw material costs, including sharp rises in pulp and waste paper prices, which drove up production expenses and contributed to higher product prices.

In 2024, the envelopes market contracted again, with volume dropping by 9.2% to 23 409 tonnes and value falling by 8.6% to 80.6 million US dollars. This occurred alongside a broader recovery in the paper sector, where imports grew by 12.7% and covered over 54% of domestic demand, increasing competitive pressure. High energy and raw material costs continued to weigh on producers.

Production envelopes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, envelope production in Italy has increased. In 2020, output was valued at 84.9 million US dollars, marking a 17.8% rise compared to the previous year. Production decreased by 51.6% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized decline of 21.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 72.1 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 44.7% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year fall, envelope production in Italy has risen. In 2020, 26,651 tonnes of envelopes were produced, showing a 16.0% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 46.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 18.8%. The minimum output was recorded in 2019 at 22,984 tonnes, and the largest decrease was in 2018 with a 49.0% drop.

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

Exports envelopes from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's envelope exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,463 tonnes, reflecting a significant decrease of 13.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.6%, with an annualized decline of 1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,767 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for envelope exports from Italy. Slovenia accounted for 14.5% of exports in kind, Tunisia for 12.9%, and Spain for 12.2%, together making up only 39.6% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares, indicating a diversified export structure.

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

Envelope exports from Italy have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were recorded at 6,820 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.4% contraction compared to 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 8,004 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.8% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's envelope export market was broad and varied. Slovenia contributed 13.6% of exports in value terms, Spain 11.7%, and Switzerland 10.2%, together accounting for just 35.4% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares, reflecting a diverse buyer portfolio.

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

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

Imports envelopes to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy imported 1,463 tonnes of envelopes in 2020, which is 4.7% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.3%, with an annualized decline of 3.9%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 7.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 0.8% rise.

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

The structure of envelope imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Romania accounted for 22.9% of imports, Hungary for 13.4%, and Spain for 10.4%, together making up only 46.7% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position, indicating a balanced import landscape.

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 envelope imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 12,118 thousand US dollars, up by 20.6% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 47.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for envelope imports in value terms was wide-ranging. Romania contributed 16.8% of imports, Spain 11.2%, and Hungary 10.0%, together forming only 38.0% of total flows. A substantial 62.0% came from many other countries, highlighting a diverse supply base.

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

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