Refractory ceramic goods excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2019 to 2020, Italy's production of refractory ceramic goods increased in volume terms despite rising indirect costs linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which had significantly raised expenses for producers since 2018. Investments in energy efficiency and cogeneration, noted in industry reports, likely helped mitigate some cost pressures. Growing competition from Indian ceramics, which increased exports to Italy, may have reduced import volumes and supported domestic production. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily dampened demand in 2020 due to reduced industrial activity, but the market showed resilience with overall growth.

A sharp contraction in production volume occurred in 2021, although the market's value continued to rise, indicating higher unit prices or a shift toward more valuable products. By 2022, the market value surged by 39.9% to $391.8 million, reflecting recovering demand and the pass-through of elevated production costs. The period saw no specific disruptive events reported for these years, with the market adjusting to post-pandemic conditions and ongoing cost structures.

In the later years of the period, the sector faced sustained pressure from high energy costs and the ETS framework, leading to a 19.4% drop in investments in 2024 compared to 2023. Italian manufacturers responded with technological innovations, including the launch of new products such as Infinity Sky and ALTRA FLEX® by RATH, Europe's first continuous oxide ceramic fiber. The industry remains strongly export-oriented, with over 70% of turnover from exports, while navigating international competition, particularly from India.

Production refractory ceramic goods in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) was valued at 208.3 million US dollars, marking a gradual increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy produced 212.5 thousand tonnes of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in 2020, reflecting a strong rise of 20.4% over the past year.

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

Exports refractory ceramic goods from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Deliveries of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) from Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 10 368 tonnes, down 11.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 27%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Italy's exports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths). Spain accounted for 16.9% of exports in kind, Mexico for 8.3%, and Germany for 7.6%, with these three partners together taking only 32.8% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

The value of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) leaving Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 49.5 million US dollars, reflecting a strong reduction of 13.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 65.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 25.7% also occurring that year. The largest decline of 13.7% was recorded in 2019.

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

During 2017–2020, Iran (13.7% of exports in value terms), Spain (12.5%), and Germany (8.6%) were important buyers of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) from Italy. However, their combined share reached only 34.8% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 65.2% distributed among many other 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 refractory ceramic goods to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Imports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) into Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported a total of 12 815 tonnes, down by 28.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 34.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 21 225 tonnes, with the largest increase of 7.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia (19.4% of imports in kind), Germany (19.2%), and Belgium (11.5%) continued to lead as suppliers of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) to Italy, jointly accounting for 50.1% of total imports in kind.

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 refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) into Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 80.8 million US dollars, contracting by 20.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 108.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 8.6% also occurring that year.

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

Over 2017–2020, imports in value terms of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) to Italy were not heavily concentrated. Germany accounted for 22.0% of imports in value terms, Czechia for 13.4%, and the United Kingdom for 11.7%, with these three suppliers together capturing only 47.1% 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