Patent leather, patent laminated leather and metallised leather market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for patent leather, patent laminated leather and metallised leather began the period at 65 810 thousand m² in 2018. A subsequent contraction brought volume down to 39 453 thousand m² by 2020, a period marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted industrial activity and suppressed demand across manufacturing sectors.

A post-pandemic recovery phase saw the market expand to 57 744 thousand m² in 2022. This growth coincided with a broader strengthening of the Italian leather industry, where increased domestic consumption and export demand, alongside enhanced supply chain synergy and a focus on sustainability, supported production volumes.

Market volume experienced a sharp decline to 27 143 thousand m² in 2023, followed by a partial recovery to 33 830 thousand m² in 2024, as the wider Italian leather sector maintained its global leadership position through continued innovation and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Production patent leather and metallised leather in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output value dropped to 971 million US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 31.8% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 51.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 21.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Italy's production of patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 47,888 thousand square meters, representing a decline of 24.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 51.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Exports patent leather and metallised leather from Italy

Exports in kind, K m²

Italy's exports of patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the export volume was 8,745 thousand square meters, showing a sharp contraction of 26.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's exports of patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather were widely distributed across various markets. The top three destinations—China (15.9% of export volume), Romania (12.7%), and Portugal (7.6%)—together accounted for just 36.3% of total flows, indicating a diverse export landscape.

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 patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 182.8 million US dollars, reflecting a notable drop of 24.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 39.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export markets in value terms remained highly fragmented. The leading partners—China (15.2% of export value), the United States (11.0%), and Romania (9.1%)—together made up only 35.2% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports patent leather and metallised leather to Italy

Imports in kind, K m²

The import market for patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather in Italy showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 300 thousand square meters, which was 27.5% lower than the previous year. The volume varied significantly, with an 8.5-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 86.6%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2019 at 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Throughout 2017-2020, India remained the primary source for Italy's imports of patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather, accounting for 84.1% of total import volume. The remaining share was spread across various smaller markets.

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 patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value was 4.6 million US dollars, showing a robust decline of 14.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 39.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 15.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's supplier base for patent leather, patent laminated leather, and metallised leather was broad and diverse. The top three suppliers—India (17.3% of import value), Germany (13.0%), and China (12.5%)—together contributed only 42.8% of total imports, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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