Knitted or crocheted fabrics market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for knitted or crocheted fabrics opened the period at 94.9 thousand tons in 2018 before contracting to 88.6 thousand tons in 2019. A severe downturn followed in 2020, with volume falling to 70.8 thousand tons as the broader textile sector's turnover shrank by 15.8% due to the crisis.

Recovery commenced in 2021, with market volume rising to 75.6 thousand tons alongside a 25% rebound in sector turnover and growing global demand for sustainable fibers. Expansion accelerated to 86.4 thousand tons in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a 32.4% increase in textile turnover, significant investment in biodegradable yarns, and automation in digital knitting. Growth continued moderately to 87.7 thousand tons in 2023, supported by further employment gains and technological innovations such as 3D knitting machines.

The market reached 98.9 thousand tons in 2024, a rise driven by a 37% increase in online sales of knitwear and the wider adoption of direct-to-consumer models, which enhanced margins and customer engagement.

Production knitted or crocheted fabrics in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of knitted or crocheted fabrics was valued at 472 million US dollars, marking a 27.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 61.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 27.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 48.7% reduction, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of knitted or crocheted fabrics declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 51.9 thousand tonnes, which is 21.5% less than in the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 51%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -21.2%.

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

Exports knitted or crocheted fabrics from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy exported 67.3 thousand tonnes of knitted or crocheted fabrics in 2020, showing little change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.3%, with a CAGR of -1.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 67.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 4.7%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 0.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in volume terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Germany accounted for 12.3% of exports, the United States for 7.9%, and France for 6.7%, with these three countries together representing only 26.8% 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, M $ US

Italy's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 903 million US dollars, down by 11.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.4%, with a CAGR of -6.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 109 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase that year at 1.4%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Italy's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in value terms were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Germany represented 11.2% of exports, Romania 7.0%, and France 5.8%, with these three countries together accounting for only 24.0% of total export 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 knitted or crocheted fabrics to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 86.3 thousand tonnes, down by 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17%, with a CAGR of -6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Malta formed the core group of markets for Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 39.0% of imports, China for 29.8%, and Malta for 4.2%, with these three countries together representing 73.0% 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, M $ US

Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 540 million US dollars, showing a 7.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 20.2%, with a CAGR of -7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in value terms. Turkey accounted for 37.1% of imports, China for 23.8%, and Germany for 7.5%, with these three countries together representing 68.4% 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