Non wood fibre pulp market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-wood fibre pulp in Italy contracted between 2018 and 2020, with total market value falling from $152.5 million to $120 million. Domestic production followed a similar downward trend, dropping from $61.7 million to $38.7 million over the same period.

Trade flows showed more volatility in the following years. Imports peaked at $145.1 million in 2022 before moderating to $104.6 million in 2024. Exports experienced a sharp spike to $57.9 million in 2023, likely reflecting specific transactional dynamics, but returned to lower levels in 2024 at $9.2 million.

By 2024, broader industry shifts toward sustainable fibres gained momentum. The European Carbon Removal Certification Framework began incentivising the use of fibres derived from agricultural residues, which could support non-wood pulp production. Italian fashion brands' commitment to responsible viscose production and growing demand for eco-friendly fibres also highlighted a changing landscape for cellulose-based materials.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's non-wood fiber pulp production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 38 743 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 25.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 61 663 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 29.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 17th globally in non-wood fiber pulp production.

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

Italy's non-wood fiber pulp production fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 73 039 tonnes, down 15.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 91 895 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.3%.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's non-wood fiber pulp exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 16.1 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 31.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 50%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom were the three largest markets for Italy's non-wood fiber pulp exports in volume terms, together accounting for 57.5% of total 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 non-wood fiber pulp exports dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 8.0 million US dollars, down 42.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 55.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom stood out as the main markets for Italy's non-wood fiber pulp exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 23.4% of exports, Spain for 22.5%, and the United Kingdom for 10.9%, together representing 56.8% of total 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 non wood fibre pulp to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Italy's non-wood fiber pulp imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 167.0 thousand tonnes, which is 8.9% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 2.3%, with an annualized rate of 0.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 183.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden, Canada, and Finland were consistently the main sources for Italy's non-wood fiber pulp imports in volume terms. Sweden accounted for 27.7% of imports, Canada for 18.1%, and Finland for 17.4%, together making up 63.2% of total 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

Following a two-year uptick, Italy's non-wood fiber pulp imports fell. In 2020, imports came to 89.3 million US dollars, marking a solid 19.7% drop year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.5%, with an annualized rate of 1.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 111.2 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 14.8%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Sweden, Canada, and Finland together accounted for 54.2% of Italy's non-wood fiber pulp imports in value terms, remaining the primary sources. Sweden contributed 21.5%, Canada 17.3%, and Finland 15.3% 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