Quicklime market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian quicklime market volume grew from 1 103 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 677 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was driven by sustained demand from the domestic steel industry for purification processes and by major producers like Calce Barattoni strengthening their market position through continuous investment. The adoption of more sustainable production technologies, such as using biomass fuel in kilns, also supported market growth by improving product quality and reducing environmental impact.

Market volume stabilized near 1 644 thousand tons in 2021, a period marked by growing industrial interest in environmental applications like wastewater treatment. In 2022, volume declined to 1 374 thousand tons, a shift likely influenced by the implementation of updated European Union regulations on quicklime classification, safety, and labeling, which introduced new compliance requirements for producers.

The market recovered in the subsequent years, with volume rising to 1 494 thousand tons in 2023 and reaching 1 792 thousand tons in 2024, signaling a return to a growth trajectory after the period of regulatory adjustment.

Production quicklime in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's quicklime production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 143.7 million US dollars, marking a 48.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 35.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 90.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's quicklime production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1,795 thousand tonnes of quicklime, representing a 37.0% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 18.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The minimum output was recorded in 2018 at 1,235 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.3%.

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

Exports quicklime from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Quicklime exports from Italy have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 122.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a significant drop of 12.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 10.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The peak was reached in 2018 with 150.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Slovakia, and Egypt were the leading destinations for Italy's quicklime exports in kind. France accounted for 29.6% of exports, Slovakia for 18.2%, and Egypt for 13.8%, together making up 61.6% of total export 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, K $ US

Quicklime export volumes from Italy have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 13,493 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.4% decline from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 14,509 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 21.9%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Egypt, and Slovakia were the main markets for Italy's quicklime exports in value terms. France represented 28.1% of exports, Egypt 14.8%, and Slovakia 12.8%, collectively accounting for 55.7% of total export 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 quicklime to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's quicklime import volume has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 5.0 thousand tonnes, indicating a sharp decline of 19.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 76.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia and France together absorbed 89.5% of Italy's total quicklime imports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among smaller markets.

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

Quicklime deliveries to Italy have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1,072 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight drop of 0.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 56.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 24.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, France, and Germany were the primary sources for Italy's quicklime imports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 40.8% of imports, France for 39.1%, and Germany for 7.9%, together making up 87.8% of total import flows.

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

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