Fungicides market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the Italian fungicides market experienced notable shifts in volume. Market size in physical terms grew from 25.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 38.4 thousand tons in 2019, an increase of 49.6%. This expansion occurred alongside the initial implementation of Decree No. 33/2018, which introduced new labeling, signage, and usage area limits for non-professional users, and the start of a revision to the National Action Plan (PAN) aiming to reduce approved fungicide active substances by 21% compared to 2014 levels.

Following the 2019 peak, regulatory pressure for sustainable use intensified. The maintained PAN framework targeted an overall reduction in the phytosanitary market, with fungicide use intended to fall by 21% by 2020. Reinforced EU labeling and packaging rules (CE 852/2004) further altered product management. By 2022, market contraction was also linked to broader economic factors, as Eurostat reported a 9% drop in fungicide sales partly due to price inflation and supply chain disruptions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, contributing to the market size declining to 33.1 thousand tons by 2024.

The market's evolution was marked by product innovation and adaptation to new rules. In 2021, the first authorizations were granted for new fungicides like POLTIGLO NEW for non-professional use, following amendments to Decree 33/2018 that expanded permitted low-risk substances. In 2023, Manica S.p.A. launched new biological fungicides such as POLTIGLIA MANICA 20 WG, leveraging the liberalized labeling rules. Technological guidance, like Syngenta Italia's 2022 publication on fungicide mode-of-action (FRAC), alongside regional plans promoting low-impact and biological formulations, continued to influence product development and farmer choice through 2024.

Production fungicides in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, Italy's fungicide output reached its lowest value at 139.4 million US dollars, declining by 13.2% from the previous year. By 2019, production rebounded strongly, increasing by 17.5% to reach 163.8 million US dollars.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2018, fungicide production in Italy hit its lowest point at 20,833 tonnes, marking a significant decline of 25.6% compared to 2017. The following year, output recovered, rising by 20.8% to 25,166 tonnes in 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2019, production decreased by 10.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%.

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

Exports fungicides from Italy

Exports in kind, t

In 2018, Italy's fungicide exports peaked at 36,787 tonnes, but then fell by 19.0% to 29,802 tonnes in 2019, the lowest level during this period. By 2020, exports partially recovered, increasing by 4.9% to 31,276 tonnes. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 12.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's fungicide exports were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—France (20.6% of exports in volume), Spain (9.5%), and Germany (8.3%)—collectively accounted for 38.4% of total exports. The remaining 61.6% went to numerous smaller markets.

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

In 2018, Italy's fungicide exports in value terms reached their highest point at 284.7 million US dollars, increasing by 14.9% from the previous year. However, in 2019, exports dropped by 14.9% to their lowest value of 242.2 million US dollars. By 2020, they recovered modestly, rising by 5.6% to 255.7 million US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's fungicide exports in value terms were spread across many partner countries. The three largest markets—France (16.0% of exports in value), Germany (10.3%), and Spain (8.5%)—together represented 34.9% of total exports, while the rest went to a diverse set of other destinations.

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

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

Imports fungicides to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's fungicide imports have grown for two consecutive years. In 2018, imports were at their lowest level of 41,594 tonnes, with no change from the previous year. By 2020, imports increased by 11.1% year-over-year to reach 47,764 tonnes. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 14.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (39.6% of imports in volume), Germany (12.1%), and India (10.9%) were the key sources for Italy's fungicide imports, together making up 62.6% of total imports.

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 fungicide imports in value terms have increased for two years in a row. In 2018, imports were at their lowest point of 264.0 million US dollars, declining by 1.8% from the previous year. By 2020, imports grew by 16.1% year-over-year to 308.7 million US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France (30.6% of imports in value), Germany (16.4%), and Spain (8.6%) were the main suppliers of fungicides to Italy, collectively accounting for 55.6% 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