SAN and ABS copolymers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian SAN and ABS copolymers market operated under established EU recycled content regulations in 2018-2019, with persistent international feedstock price competitiveness pressuring local producer margins. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted demand from key industrial segments like electronics and automotive in 2020, temporarily reducing orders. Market volume then rose to 163.9 thousand tons in 2021, supported by growing national interest in circular economy solutions that increased demand for materials with lower virgin raw material content.

From 2022, global supply faced pressure from Asian competition and high logistics costs, exemplified by Trinseo's price increase announcement for styrenic copolymers in July due to rising polystyrene and feedstock costs. By 2023, market volume fell to 149.5 thousand tons as this constrained supply persisted and electronics sector clients intensified requirements for low-VOC emission grades, prompting investment in cleaner formulations. The decline continued to 140.5 thousand tons in 2024, influenced by the closure of a U.S. production site and further Trinseo price increases for the European market, while the launch of a digital plastics trading platform and upcoming Italian packaging rules began shaping future formulation and labeling requirements.

Production SAN and ABS copolymers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of SAN and ABS copolymers in Italy was 165.8 million US dollars, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 58.4%, which corresponds to a compound annual growth rate of -25.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 98.3 thousand tonnes of SAN and ABS copolymers, with only slight variation from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 43%, translating to an annualized decline rate of 17.1%.

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

Exports SAN and ABS copolymers from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of SAN and ABS copolymers increased in 2020 after two years of decline. Exports reached 73.6 thousand tonnes, marking a 9.9% rise from the previous year. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 67.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 3.9% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in volume terms was diversified. Germany accounted for 28.9% of exports, Austria for 14.2%, and Turkey for 5.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 49.1% of total flows, with no single nation holding a clearly dominant position.

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 SAN and ABS copolymers in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 122.9 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Austria, and Poland played significant but not dominant roles as buyers of SAN and ABS copolymers from Italy in value terms. Germany accounted for 27.1% of exports, Austria for 13.6%, and Poland for 6.8%. Their combined share reached 47.5% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports SAN and ABS copolymers to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of SAN and ABS copolymers in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 116.3 thousand tonnes, a 15.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 26.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, Belgium, and Germany led Italy's import structure in volume terms. South Korea accounted for 25.7% of imports, Belgium for 21.3%, and Germany for 13.9%. Together, these three countries represented 60.9% of total import 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 SAN and ABS copolymers in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 180.0 million US dollars, a sharp drop of 22.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 289.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 0.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Korea, Belgium, and Spain formed the key group of partners for Italy's imports of SAN and ABS copolymers in value terms. South Korea accounted for 26.9% of imports, Belgium for 21.6%, and Spain for 15.6%. Their joint share represented 64.1% 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