Porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian porcelain and china tableware market began the period at 38 840 t in 2018. That year, industry leader Tognana Porcellane consolidated its position through significant investment in modernizing and automating its Casier plant, which supported an expansion of its product range and distribution channels. This move contributed to growing domestic production, which increased from 5 546 t in 2018 to 6 537 t in 2019. However, the total market volume contracted to 37 778 t in 2019 and then fell sharply to 25 525 t in 2020.

A sustained recovery took hold from 2021, with market volume rising to 29 252 t, then to 34 423 t in 2022, and reaching 36 017 t in 2023. This growth phase restored a significant portion of the volume lost during the initial downturn, with the market value also rebounding strongly to 141.5 million USD by 2023.

In 2024, the market volume declined to 32 289 t. This shift coincided with major changes in trade policy, notably the European Commission's imposition of a 79% anti-dumping duty on imports of ceramic and porcelain tableware from China. Additionally, China's announced elimination of a 9% export tax rebate for ceramics altered cost structures and competition, directly impacting an Italian market highly dependent on Chinese imports.

Production porcelain tableware and kitchenware in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, Italy's production of porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware has rebounded. In 2020, output reached 46.0 M $ US, marking a 12.6% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 58.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 25.3%. The lowest point was in 2019, with production valued at 40.9 M $ US, while the steepest drop occurred in 2018 at 60.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Production volumes peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest in 2020, with the difference between these extremes being 4.7 times. In 2020, Italy produced 4 670 t of porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware, a sharp year-over-year decrease of 28.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 74.9%, while the biggest increase came in 2019 with a 17.9% rise.

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

Exports porcelain tableware and kitchenware from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Italy's exports of porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware in kind declined. In 2020, exports totaled 9 279 t, showing a substantial drop of 12.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 635 t, which also saw the largest increase of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind remained fragmented. France accounted for 14.8% of exports, Germany for 10.5%, and Spain for 8.7%, together making up only 34.0% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share during this period.

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 porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 62.9 M $ US, a gradual decrease of 8.2% from 2019. However, over the broader span from 2017 to 2020, exports actually increased by 3.9%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 69.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. France represented 12.9% of exports, Germany 8.9%, and Russia 6.0%, together accounting for just 27.8% of total flows. The remaining 72.2% was distributed among numerous smaller partner 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 porcelain tableware and kitchenware to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware in kind declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 000 t, down by 28.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35.6%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and Romania remained the primary sources for Italy's imports in kind. China accounted for 56.3% of imports, Germany for 7.3%, and Romania for 6.8%, together representing 70.5% 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

Cross-border shipments of porcelain or china tableware and kitchenware to Italy in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 100.0 M $ US, indicating a fall of 24.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 153.5 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 7.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and France formed the core group of markets for Italy's imports in value terms. China accounted for 33.2% of imports, Germany for 17.9%, and France for 6.6%, together representing 57.8% 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