PK fertilizers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The PK fertilizers market in Italy saw its physical volume gradually decline from 21 247 t in 2018 to 19 279 t in 2020, before rebounding to 21 996 t in 2021. In value terms, the market stabilized around 18 000-19 000 thousand US dollars during 2018-2020, then increased to 24 367 thousand US dollars in 2021.

A significant expansion occurred in 2022, with market volume rising 23% to 26 985 t and value jumping 56% to 37 896 thousand US dollars. This growth was primarily driven by a drop in natural gas prices, which lowered production costs for nitrogen fertilizers, and the introduction of new product categories like organic fertilizers and biostimulants following the implementation of the new EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (EU 2019/1009). The following year, however, the market collapsed by 52% in volume to 12 855 t, as soaring fertilizer prices—a consequence of the war in Ukraine and the broader energy crisis—severely dampened farmer demand, despite public liquidity injections to the sector.

In 2024, the market partially recovered, with volume increasing 18% to 15 211 t. This turnaround was supported by growing demand for more affordable nitrogen-based organic fertilizers and the ongoing adaptation to new EU digital labeling requirements, alongside the disbursement of CAP funds to agricultural businesses.

Production PK fertilizers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's PK fertilizer production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 21 192 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 1.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 22.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's PK fertilizer production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 21 154 tonnes were produced, marking a significant drop of 17.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 48.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.9%.

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

Exports PK fertilizers from Italy

Exports in kind, t

PK fertilizer exports from Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 5 097 tonnes, representing a sharp fall of 45.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 72.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -35.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria, Slovenia, and Bulgaria remained the main buyers of PK fertilizers from Italy, accounting for 41.8%, 8.6%, and 7.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 58.2% of total exports in kind.

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

Italy's PK fertilizer export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 5 597 thousand US dollars, showing a solid decline of 21.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports of PK fertilizers from Italy in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. Algeria, Turkey, and Brazil accounted for 25.7%, 7.4%, and 5.8% of exports in value terms, respectively, together representing only 38.8% 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 PK fertilizers to Italy

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, PK fertilizer shipments to Italy from abroad amounted to 3 222 tonnes, constituting a drop of 27.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 35.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 34.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Israel, and China formed the core of imports in kind, accounting for 32.1%, 27.7%, and 17.2% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries took 76.9% 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, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, imported PK fertilizer volumes in Italy increased. In 2020, imports came to 3 691 thousand US dollars, reflecting a rise of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 635 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Israel, China, and Spain were the largest suppliers of PK fertilizers to Italy in value terms, accounting for 34.5%, 20.4%, and 11.8% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 66.7% 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