Knitted or crocheted pile fabrics market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for knitted or crocheted pile fabrics in Italy contracted from 19 230 tonnes to 16 028 tonnes, while its value fell sharply to $49 million in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and altered demand, prompting manufacturers to diversify into technical fabrics for protective equipment and sportswear. During this period, the industry maintained its strong craft tradition and growing focus on sustainable materials, with many Italian firms offering eco-friendly collections.

From 2021 onward, the market rebounded, reaching 15 412 tonnes and $135 million by 2024. This recovery was driven by increased consumer demand for high-quality, sustainable textiles, supported by the adoption of international certifications and the development of new product segments like technical fabrics for outdoor activities. Innovations in finishing technologies and the use of recycled yarns enhanced product functionality and market appeal.

The presence of specialized Italian manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Carvico S.p.A., provided a stable foundation for adaptation. The shift toward eco-conscious production and advanced textile solutions helped the market regain and increase its value over the latter part of the period, despite earlier volatility in volume.

Production knitted or crocheted pile fabrics in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 80.1 million US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 59.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 69.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -32.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's production of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 15,599 tonnes were produced, representing a robust contraction of 14.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 19,363 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 17.7%.

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

Exports knitted or crocheted pile fabrics from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 6,146 tonnes, which is 15.1% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 25.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for Italy's exports of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics. Germany accounted for 16.2% of exports in kind, Romania for 8.5%, and Senegal for 8.1%, together making up 32.8% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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 pile fabrics have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 79.4 million US dollars, which is 20.7% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 114.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for Italy's exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany accounted for 16.0% of exports in value terms, Romania for 11.1%, and France for 5.9%, jointly representing 33.0% of total flows. Many other countries accounted for the remaining 67.0%.

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 pile fabrics to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 6,575 tonnes, marking a drop of 3.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Serbia remained the principal suppliers of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics to Italy. China accounted for 64.9% of imports in kind, Turkey for 6.9%, and Serbia for 5.5%, jointly making up 77.3% 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

After a two-year reduction, Italy's imports of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics increased in 2020. Imports reached 48.4 million US dollars, up by 3.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 46.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Turkey remained the principal suppliers of knitted or crocheted pile fabrics to Italy in value terms. China accounted for 51.9% of imports in value terms, South Korea for 8.0%, and Turkey for 6.8%, jointly making up 66.7% of total imports.

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

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