Filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp in Italy experienced a notable transformation between 2018 and 2024. In physical terms, market volume declined from 1 973 t in 2018 to 1 140 t in 2024, with a significant reduction already apparent in 2019 at 1 502 t. Conversely, the market value increased from $7.4 million in 2018 to $8.4 million in 2024, signaling a rise in average prices or a shift toward higher-value segments.

By 2024, specific customs duties and VAT rates for importing these paper pulp filter products into Italy raised import costs, contributing to the higher market value despite lower physical volume. Concurrently, bans on single-use plastics in over 65 countries, including Italy, bolstered demand for paper-based alternatives, supporting the market's value growth. The presence of companies like Vefim offering ATEX-certified products and the trend toward digital filtration systems with real-time monitoring further pushed the market toward more sophisticated and expensive solutions.

The cessation of domestic production by 2024, down from 1 161 t in 2018, altered supply dynamics, increasing reliance on imports. This structural shift, coupled with stricter global environmental standards on emissions such as PM2.5, fostered demand for advanced filtration products, sustaining value growth even as volume contracted.

Production filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, Italy's output of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp was valued at 1,238 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic year-over-year decline of 27.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2019, Italy produced 527 tonnes of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp, representing a dramatic 54.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Exports filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's export volume of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 313 tonnes, showing an 11.9% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp were distributed across numerous markets. Spain accounted for 17.6% of exports, Portugal for 14.8%, and Hungary for 6.2%, with these three countries together making up only 38.6% of total export flows.

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 export value of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 1,819 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.8% rise over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in value terms remained highly diversified. Spain contributed 15.0% of export value, Hungary 13.8%, and Portugal 10.3%, with these three countries together accounting for only 39.0% of total flows. The remaining 61.0% came from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's import volume of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1,445 tonnes, up by 15.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 11.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,083 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 16.4%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 15.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain continued to be the main suppliers of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp to Italy. Germany accounted for 54.4% of imports, the United Kingdom for 22.9%, and Spain for 6.7%, with these three countries jointly forming 84.0% of total import volume.

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 import value of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported 8,855 thousand US dollars worth of these products, amounting to a 10.3% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7,359 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom consistently remained the main sources for Italy's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 49.8% of import value, France for 18.3%, and the United Kingdom for 13.5%, with these three countries together making up 81.7% 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