Porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian porcelain tableware market was characterized by a fragmented structure with over 3,140 active companies and historically strong brands in 2018, when market volume stood at 92.3 thousand tons. A slight increase to 94.6 thousand tons followed in 2019, before a sharp contraction to 66.9 thousand tons in 2020. The market rebounded strongly to 100.8 thousand tons in 2021, driven by recovering consumer demand.

Growth continued in 2022, with market volume reaching 111.2 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by a 27% increase in the tableware sector's turnover, fueled by consumer preferences for Made in Italy and eco-sustainable products. However, in 2023, the market declined to 99.5 thousand tons, reflecting a broader downturn in the ceramic sector where tableware sales fell by 7%, alongside heightened international competition from countries like India.

Throughout the period, the industry faced rising energy, raw material, and logistics costs, which pressured competitiveness. The war in Ukraine disrupted clay supplies, while concerns about unfair competition from Asia persisted. Despite these challenges, domestic demand remained influenced by a sustained preference for high-quality, Italian-made tableware.

Production porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was valued at 51 589 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 14.9% increase from 2019. The lowest value in this period occurred in 2019 at 44 886 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 3.9%. Overall, from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 10.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Italy produced 5 643 tonnes of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles, a 24.2% decrease compared to 2019. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 449 tonnes, which experienced a 23.0% increase. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%.

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

Exports porcelain tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Italy's export volumes of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined. In 2020, exports stood at 9 773 tonnes, down 17.0% from 2019. The peak was in 2019 at 11 771 tonnes, which saw a 9.5% increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's export structure in volume terms was highly diversified. The top three destinations—France (14.8% of exports), Germany (10.2%), and Spain (8.4%)—collectively accounted for only 33.4% of total flows. The remaining 66.6% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

After two years of growth, Italy's export value of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles fell. In 2020, exports amounted to 69.4 million US dollars, a significant 13.2% drop from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 79.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in value terms showed high diversification. France (13.1% of exports), Germany (8.7%), and Russia (6.1%) together made up just 27.9% of total flows. The majority, 72.1%, was distributed among many smaller trading partners.

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, kitchenware and household articles to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Italy's import volumes of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles dropped sharply. In 2020, imports totaled 71 078 tonnes, a dramatic 28.1% fall from the previous year. The maximum was in 2019 at 98 886 tonnes, with the largest increase of 5.9% occurring in 2018. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.4%, averaging an annual decline of 8.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark (54.3% of imports), China (25.7%), and Germany (3.4%) were the largest contributors to Italy's import volumes, jointly accounting for 83.3% 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

Italy's imports of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 158.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 24.5% decrease from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 209.3 million US dollars, which saw a 16.2% increase. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China (26.2% of imports), Denmark (21.7%), and Germany (13.9%) played leading roles in Italy's import value of porcelain tableware, kitchenware, and household articles, jointly representing 61.8% 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