Pitch and pitch coke market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian pitch and pitch coke market expanded significantly in volume in 2019, with production rising to 580.9 thousand tons from 425.9 thousand tons the previous year. This surge was facilitated by a regulatory change that reclassified high-temperature coal tar pitch, removing its acute and chronic aquatic toxicity labels as of December 2018, which simplified handling and likely stimulated industrial activity. Additionally, a favorable court ruling for the major producer Italiana Coke overturned restrictive measures, allowing the company to maintain operations without disruption.

After 2019, production volumes contracted, reaching 544.8 thousand tons by 2024. This decline coincided with a crisis at Italiana Coke, which faced overcapacity, stiff Chinese competition, and the loss of a key contract with Acciaierie d’Italia. However, the market value continued to grow strongly, reaching $286.8 million in 2024 from $184.4 million in 2019, driven by new high-value applications. In 2021, authorizations were granted for using coal tar pitch as a precursor in advanced carbon materials for aerospace and industrial sectors, shifting the product mix toward more lucrative segments.

Throughout the period, environmental and regulatory scrutiny persisted, with EU court rulings and updated CLP regulations affecting classification and labeling requirements. Italiana Coke remained a central player, adapting to these norms while exploring new export markets, such as the United States, for foundry coke. Global investments in coking coal technologies, particularly in carbon capture, also influenced the broader market context.

Production pitch and pitch coke in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Italy's pitch and pitch coke production was valued at 176.6 million US dollars, marking a 10.5% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2019, production actually decreased by 5.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 159.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 14.4% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Production volumes reached their peak in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with the difference between these years being twofold. In 2019, Italy produced 580.9 thousand tonnes of pitch and pitch coke, representing a sharp increase of 36.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 425.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 50.6% also occurring that year.

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

Exports pitch and pitch coke from Italy

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their highest level in 2019 and their lowest in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, pitch and pitch coke shipments from Italy abroad totaled 462 tonnes, reflecting a 56.5% year-over-year decline. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1,062 tonnes, while the largest increase of 84.4% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two countries—France and Slovenia—accounted for the majority of Italy's pitch and pitch coke exports in volume terms, with other markets playing less significant roles individually.

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

The market exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2018 to 2020, exports in value terms showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.5 times. In 2020, pitch and pitch coke shipments from Italy abroad were valued at 155 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 81.7% contraction compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 853 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 209.1% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France was the dominant buyer of pitch and pitch coke from Italy, accounting for 78.8% of total exports in value terms, while other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports pitch and pitch coke to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's pitch and pitch coke import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 8,587 tonnes, constituting a moderate decline of 6.3% from 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 18.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.8%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 11,311 tonnes, with the largest decline of 18.9% occurring in 2019 and the largest increase of 56.2% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (44.2% of imports in volume terms), Czechia (16.9%), and South Korea (16.6%) were the main suppliers of pitch and pitch coke to Italy, together comprising 77.8% of total imports in volume terms.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports in value terms hit their maximum in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, with a swing of 2.4 times between these years. In 2020, pitch and pitch coke deliveries to Italy amounted to 5,484 thousand US dollars, down by 36.6% compared with 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10,457 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 137.6% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (57.6% of imports in value terms), Czechia (15.9%), and Belgium (9.7%) were the largest suppliers of pitch and pitch coke to Italy, together forming 83.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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