Natural cork articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2019 to 2021, the Italian market for natural cork articles contracted sharply, with volume falling from 8 849 t to 4 125 t. This decline was primarily driven by the cork stopper's loss of market share to alternative closures, especially screw caps, which gained significant ground in the wine sector over the previous decade. The shift in consumer and producer preference towards screw caps reduced demand for traditional cork products, impacting overall market size.

A partial recovery to 5 913 t occurred in 2022, supported by innovation and circular economy initiatives from the market leader, Amorim Cork Italia. The company launched its Suber Design Collection using recycled cork and introduced technological improvements for product quality, helping to stimulate production and demand. Concurrently, in Sardinia, the heart of Italy's cork oak forests, sustainable forest management practices were strengthened, including FSC certification for cork oak woodlands, securing the long-term supply of raw material.

In the following years through 2024, the industry faced intensified international competition, particularly from Portugal, and high energy and labor costs. These pressures led to a noted reduction in exports and in the volume of cork processed in the key Calangianus district. Despite these challenges, new applications for cork emerged in sustainable construction and innovative biomaterials, with Sardinian start-ups developing cork-based products for fashion and interior design, indicating diversification within the sector.

Production natural cork articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's production of natural cork articles was valued at 115.9 million US dollars, marking a 22.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy produced 4,443 tonnes of natural cork articles, representing a significant decline of 30.1% from the previous year.

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

Exports natural cork articles from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of natural cork articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 572 tonnes, showing a substantial decrease of 17.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 54.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 22.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Italy's natural cork article exports in volume terms were China, with 39.8% of exports, Portugal at 12.3%, and Argentina with 9.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 61.2% 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, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Italy's exports of natural cork articles in value terms increased in 2020. The country exported 13,650 thousand US dollars worth of natural cork articles, which was 2.1% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13,373 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's natural cork article exports in value terms were widely distributed across partner countries. China accounted for 25.0% of exports, France for 12.5%, and Portugal for 8.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 46.3% 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 natural cork articles to Italy

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy's imports of natural cork articles reached 3,152 tonnes, down by 1.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2,963 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.9%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 7.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Portugal and Spain dominated Italy's imports of natural cork articles in volume terms, together accounting for 88.0% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

Italy's imports of natural cork articles in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 47,204 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant drop of 14.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal played a leading role in Italy's imports of natural cork articles in value terms, accounting for 78.2% of total flows. The remainder was distributed across other trading partners.

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

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