Iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes and sections market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the market for steel sheet piling and sections in Italy was influenced by updated technical standards for hot-rolled and cold-formed steel profiles, which set specific production and quality requirements. Imports of these steel products grew steadily from 17 895 t in 2018 to a peak of 34 260 t in 2020, indicating strong underlying demand, particularly for coils and cold-rolled sheets.

The market volume, measurable from 2021, contracted to 46 942 t in 2022. It then expanded sharply by over 60% to 75 398 t in 2023. This surge occurred despite high energy costs and operational difficulties at major steel plants, which constrained domestic production. The primary driver was significant growth in global demand for cold-rolled steel coils from the automotive, construction, and consumer goods sectors, which boosted market activity and led to substantial price increases for cold-rolled products.

In 2024, the Italian market grew further to 80 934 t, supported by a recovery in national steel consumption and increased investment in production capacity for cold-rolled stainless steel. Updated EU and Italian technical norms for cold-formed products continued to shape the market. However, domestic production fell sharply as high energy costs persisted, and the market became increasingly supplied by imports, which rose to 68 535 t.

Exports iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes and sections from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections to foreign markets declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, shipments totaled 3 664 tonnes, representing a 7.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 46.7%, with an average annual decline of 18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy supplied iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections to a diverse range of markets. Even the top destinations—Austria, Germany, and Denmark—collectively accounted for only 48.8% of total exports by volume.

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 for iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 920 thousand US dollars, down 8.7% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, the value decreased by 11.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 074 thousand US dollars. The largest year-over-year decrease occurred in 2019, with a 17.1% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 17.2% rise.

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

During 2017–2020, Austria, Germany, and France were the leading destinations for Italy's exports of iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections in value terms. Austria accounted for 27.4% of exports, Germany for 17.6%, and France for 7.0%, together making up 51.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes and sections to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 34 260 tonnes, showing a significant 52.4% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, import volume grew by 111.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Luxembourg, Czechia, and North Macedonia were the primary sources for Italy's imports of iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections by volume. Luxembourg contributed 39.2% of imports, Czechia 20.2%, and North Macedonia 15.6%, together representing 75.1% of total import 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, K $ US

After two years of growth, Italy's import value for iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections declined. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 37 441 thousand US dollars, a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 75%, equivalent to an average annual growth of 20.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 37 706 thousand US dollars. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, with a 64.4% jump.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, and Czechia were the main suppliers of iron or steel sheet piling and welded angles, shapes, and sections to Italy in value terms. Luxembourg accounted for 25.7% of imports, North Macedonia for 21.3%, and Czechia for 13.3%, jointly making up 60.3% of total import value.

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

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