Finishing agents for textile, paper and leather market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for finishing agents saw substantial growth in 2019, with volume rising to 314.6 thousand tons. This expansion was propelled by EU regulations mandating azo-free dyes and PFC-free water repellents, which spurred demand for compliant finishing agents. Simultaneously, increased consumer preference for natural, breathable finishes and pilot projects for innovative technologies like plasma-assisted coatings, funded by ENEA, encouraged production and adoption.

After the 2019 peak, market volume contracted to 196.2 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 154.7 thousand tons in 2022. During this phase, the industry focused on sustainable innovations, such as the launch of ECOFAST Pure by major chemical companies and the development of foam-based finishing technologies using recycled CO2 by Italian firm Santex Rimar Group. These advances aimed at reducing water, salt, and chemical usage, aligning with stricter EU environmental norms, even as overall consumption declined.

By 2024, the market recovered partially to 173.2 thousand tons. This rebound was supported by the continued adoption of salt-free dyeing processes and low-impact chemicals, driven by regulatory pressure for resource efficiency and growing demand from technical textile segments like construction, healthcare, and filtration.

Production finishing agents for textile, paper and leather in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Italy, the output value of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather reached 379.8 million US dollars in 2019, marking a 25.4% increase compared to 2018. Production declined by 19.7% between 2017 and 2019, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 303.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 35.9% occurring that same year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy produced 331.2 thousand tonnes of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather in 2019, reflecting a significant 18.8% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, production decreased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 278.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 21.5% taking place that year.

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

Exports finishing agents for textile, paper and leather from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Finishing agents for textile, paper and leather shipments from Italy to abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 97.4 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial 18.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 29%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, finishing agents for textile, paper and leather from Italy were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Germany, China, and France—together represented only 25.0% of 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, M $ US

Italy's exports of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 192.6 million US dollars, down by 13.0% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 245.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 2.3% occurring that year.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, exports in value terms of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather from Italy were characterized by a broad spread across markets. China (12.0% of exports in value terms), India (7.0%), and Germany (6.6%) together accounted for only 25.5% of total 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 finishing agents for textile, paper and leather to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Finishing agents for textile, paper and leather imports into Italy increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 110.9 thousand tonnes, which is 7.5% greater compared to 2019. Over the period 2017–2020, imports grew by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (40.9% of imports in kind), Germany (18.6%), and Spain (17.3%) were the principal sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 76.9% of total 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

In 2020, Italy's imports of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather amounted to 150.3 million US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 151.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 1.3% in 2019 and the largest increase of 3.4% in 2018.

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

Over 2017–2020, France (29.3% of imports in value terms), Germany (26.6%), and Spain (15.5%) led the ranking of suppliers of finishing agents for textile, paper and leather to Italy, with their combined share reaching 71.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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