Portland cement market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian portland cement market volume grew steadily from 16.7 million tonnes in 2018 to 20.6 million tonnes in 2022, propelled by a series of environmental regulations and standardization efforts. The 2017 update of the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for public procurement pushed for lower-carbon cement, while the adoption of the UNI EN 197-1 standard unified product classifications and supported consistent production. Subsequent policy support for green cement, including incentives for carbon capture and alternative fuel use, encouraged industry investment and aligned with rising ESG sensitivity, driving market expansion.

After a contraction to 18.5 million tonnes in 2023, the market rebounded to 21.1 million tonnes in 2024. The recovery was underpinned by continued regulatory pressure for low-impact cements, such as the EU Green Deal alignment and the 2022 End-of-Waste regulation for construction debris, which clarified recycling rules. Market consolidation among major producers like Buzzi SpA and HeidelbergCement provided additional stability, facilitating the return to growth.

Production portland cement in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's portland cement production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 443 million US dollars, marking an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 188 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 23.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 12.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's portland cement production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 18 962 thousand tonnes were produced, showing a gradual gain of 3.9% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 21.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 194 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 6.1%.

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

Exports portland cement from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year gain, exported portland cement volumes from Italy declined. In 2020, export volume totalled 1 566 thousand tonnes, down by 8.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 715 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Malta, and Switzerland formed the key group of partners for Italy's portland cement exports in kind. France accounted for 23.7% of exports, Malta for 19.5%, and Switzerland for 18.4%, jointly representing 61.6% of total flows.

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 portland cement export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports came to 111.6 million US dollars, which is 9.9% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 129.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.4%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, France, Switzerland, and Malta remained the leading destinations for Italy's portland cement exports in value terms. France accounted for 31.6% of exports, Switzerland for 20.1%, and Malta for 13.5%, with a combined share of 65.3% 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 portland cement to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, portland cement imports to Italy reached 1 052 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 165 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 35.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Turkey, and Croatia played the leading roles in Italy's portland cement imports in kind. Slovenia accounted for 25.4% of imports, Turkey for 17.3%, and Croatia for 17.3%, jointly taking 60.0% 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

In 2020, cross-border shipments of portland cement to Italy came to 67.6 million US dollars, reflecting an increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 68.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 36.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.1%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Slovenia, and Croatia made the biggest contribution to Italy's portland cement imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 22.8% of imports, Slovenia for 21.7%, and Croatia for 16.3%, jointly accounting for 60.7% 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