Medical wadding, gauze and bandages market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in Italy grew from $113.6 million in 2018 to $121.0 million in 2019, supported by consolidation in the pharmaceutical sector and high research and development costs for biological drugs, which indirectly boosted demand for advanced impregnated dressings. In 2020, market volume fell to $94.4 million, while production increased to $78.7 million. By 2021, the market recovered to $111.6 million, with production reaching $117.8 million, indicating strengthened domestic output.

From 2022 to 2024, imports peaked at $291.7 million in 2023 before declining to $262.3 million in 2024, while exports rose steadily to $221.7 million. Italy's leading position in European pharmaceutical SMEs and a solid regulatory framework fostered investment in the medical device segment. In 2024, Law 69/2024 allowed pharmacists to perform point-of-care diagnostics and recommend treatments without a prescription, promoting over-the-counter sales of wound care products. Growing online demand, with a 10% increase in repeat purchases and Sanofi's AI-powered e-commerce portal boosting online sales by 12%, shifted consumption patterns.

Production medical wadding, gauze and bandages in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, Italy's production of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages rebounded. In 2020, output reached 78.7 million US dollars, marking a dramatic 62.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 46.8%, which translates to an annualized decline of 19.0%. The lowest point was in 2019, with a value of 48.6 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 63.2%.

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

Exports medical wadding, gauze and bandages from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's cross-border shipments of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 8,566 tonnes, showing a sharp gain of 30.2% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 24.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.6%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 6,461 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, Spain, and France played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages from Italy. Switzerland accounted for 13.0% of exports in kind, Spain for 12.7%, and France for 12.6%. Together, their combined share reached 38.3% of total exports in kind.

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 medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 197.2 million US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 51.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 70.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of Italy's exports in value terms was scattered, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant. Germany accounted for 15.4% of exports in value terms, Switzerland for 13.8%, and the United States for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 38.6% 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 medical wadding, gauze and bandages to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in volume terms rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume totaled 14,185 tonnes, amounting to a 1.3% increase versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Germany, and France formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports in kind. China accounted for 54.1% of imports in kind, Germany for 13.2%, and France for 6.2%. Their combined share reached 73.5% 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 medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 212.9 million US dollars, reflecting a 4.9% rise from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and France were the primary suppliers of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages to Italy in value terms. China accounted for 24.8% of imports in value terms, Germany for 20.9%, and France for 12.4%. Together, they jointly accounted for 58.1% 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