Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The introduction of new Technical Standards for Construction (NTC 2018) in 2018 strengthened quality and acceptance testing requirements for structural mortars and concretes, driving demand for certified products. This, coupled with the opening of new production plants for technical and premixed mortars, supported market growth to 82.5 thousand metric tons in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the construction sector in 2020, reducing consumption to 73.8 thousand metric tons.

The launch of the Superbonus 110% government incentive for building renovation and energy efficiency in 2021 triggered a sharp rise in demand for construction materials, including mortars and concretes, pushing the market volume to 109 thousand metric tons—a 48% increase from 2020. Concurrent investments in production capacity for innovative and sustainable materials helped meet this demand. In 2022, significant price increases for raw materials and construction products, highlighted in the MIMS decree update, raised costs and reduced affordability, leading to a market contraction to 84.3 thousand metric tons.

Following the volatility induced by fiscal stimuli and cost pressures, the Italian non-refractory mortars and concretes market stabilized around 82 thousand metric tons in 2023-2024. Production volumes remained near 83 thousand metric tons, reflecting steady underlying demand in the construction sector.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Italy, the output value of non-refractory mortars and concretes reached 2,863 million US dollars in 2020, showing a modest decrease of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 13.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2,570 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 22.2% occurring that same year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase at 19.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy produced 74,347 thousand tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes in 2020, down by 10.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 19.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.9%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 64,524 thousand tonnes, which also marked the largest decline of 30.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 28.6%.

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

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's export volume of non-refractory mortars and concretes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 545.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 5.9% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 34.6%, with an annualized rate of 10.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Switzerland, and Belgium formed the core group of markets for Italy's exports in kind. France accounted for 34.3% of exports, Switzerland for 17.5%, and Belgium for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented 58.0% 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

The value of non-refractory mortars and concretes leaving Italy increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, Italy exported 159.6 million US dollars worth of these products, marking a 6.9% year-over-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 49.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's non-refractory mortars and concretes were supplied to a diverse range of markets. Even the largest destinations—France, Switzerland, and Belgium—collectively accounted for only 40.5% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports non-refractory mortars and concretes to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Italy's import volume of non-refractory mortars and concretes declined. In 2020, imports totaled 19.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 28.2% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 27.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 34.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Slovenia, Germany, and Austria were the top suppliers of non-refractory mortars and concretes to Italy in kind. Slovenia contributed 46.2% of imports, Germany 22.9%, and Austria 11.7%. Their combined share reached 80.8% of total imports in kind.

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 import value of non-refractory mortars and concretes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 31.8 million US dollars, showing a substantial gain of 104.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports soared by 187.1%, with an annualized rate of 42.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Croatia made the biggest contributions to Italy's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.2% of imports, the United Kingdom for 19.7%, and Croatia for 11.9%. Together, they represented 73.8% 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