PC in primary forms market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian polycarbonate market opened the period at 135.2 thousand tonnes in 2018, the same year the EU Regulation 2018/213 limiting BPA migration in food-contact coatings came into force, affecting demand for PC in the food sector. By 2020, the market volume had contracted to 98.6 thousand tonnes, while domestic production fell sharply to 32.9 thousand tonnes.

A rebound in 2021 lifted the market to 138.6 thousand tonnes, but it retreated to 117.8 thousand tonnes in 2022 after Trinseo raised prices for PC grades on the European market, increasing costs for downstream users. In 2023, reported growing demand for PC in electrical, electronic, and automotive applications, driven by needs for lightweight and heat-resistant materials, helped stabilize consumption at 117.9 thousand tonnes despite a drop in domestic output to 52.3 thousand tonnes.

New EU regulations in 2024 introduced stricter limits for BPA and other bisphenols in food-contact materials and enforced a ban on non-compliant single-use plastics under the SUP directive, pushing producers toward more sustainable solutions. Concurrently, Trinseo announced another price increase citing higher raw material costs. Despite these regulatory and cost pressures, the market expanded to 137.8 thousand tonnes, with production rising to 59.5 thousand tonnes, indicating resilient demand in key industrial segments.

Production PC in primary forms in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of PC in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 106.6 million US dollars, marking a 24.9% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 40.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 15.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's production of PC in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 32 941 tonnes, showing a sharp year-on-year reduction of 28.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 35%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.4%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 57 320 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.2%.

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

Exports PC in primary forms from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's export volume of PC in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 63.5 thousand tonnes, indicating a slight year-on-year loss of 2.5%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 13.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.7%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 73.5 thousand tonnes, which also experienced a minor increase of 0.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Czechia were among the largest buyers of PC in primary forms from Italy, accounting for 21.5%, 9.4%, and 7.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, together they represented just 38.8% of total exports, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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 export value of PC in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 208.5 million US dollars, reflecting a gradual 3.8% decrease from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 253.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.5% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the market base for exports in value terms was wide. Germany, Czechia, and Poland accounted for 20.9%, 8.7%, and 8.6% of exports in value terms, respectively, jointly representing just 38.3% of total flows. The remaining 61.7% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports PC in primary forms to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's import volume of PC in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 129.2 thousand tonnes, showing a small year-on-year loss of 1.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Belgium, and Spain—together accounted for 70.7% of total imports in kind of PC in primary forms to Italy.

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 PC in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 269.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 8.3% reduction from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 28%, with an annualized decline rate of 10.4%. The highest value was in 2018 at 396.7 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 25.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the main markets for imports in value terms, accounting for 31.8%, 21.9%, and 16.2% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 69.9% of total flows.

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

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