Sanitary paper products market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sanitary paper products in Italy saw its volume increase from 1.3 million tons in 2018 to 1.4 million tons in 2019, alongside a rise in domestic production. This period of growth coincided with the leading Italian manufacturer Sofidel opening a new, environmentally advanced plant in the United States, signaling international expansion and confidence in the sector's capacity. The market volume then stabilized around 1.3 million tons in 2020.

A significant contraction followed in 2021, with the market volume dropping to 1.2 million tons even as its value increased, indicating substantial price inflation. The market rebounded strongly in 2022, reaching 1.3 million tons. This recovery occurred despite the sudden closure of six paper mills belonging to the ProGest group, which removed supply from the market due to soaring raw material and energy costs. The growth was supported by increased production from other facilities and higher imports.

In the following years, trade flows remained steady. By 2024, the industry was contending with a sustained raw material crisis, driven by reduced pulp imports from Russia and rising global fiber prices, which pushed toilet paper prices up by 44% over three years and led to shrinkflation, altering consumer purchasing behavior.

Production sanitary paper products in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of sanitary paper products was valued at 3 797 million US dollars, marking a 3.1% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 921 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sanitary paper products production in Italy increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy produced 1 827 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production grew by 2.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.7%.

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

Exports sanitary paper products from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's sanitary paper products exports rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 603.3 thousand tonnes, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 579.3 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were among the largest buyers of sanitary paper products from Italy, accounting for 23.9%, 17.8%, and 6.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, together they represented just 48.6% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

In 2020, Italy's cross-border shipments of sanitary paper products amounted to 1 323 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 1.8% from the prior year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports grew by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Italy's sanitary paper products exports in value terms was highly diversified. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom accounted for 21.9%, 19.6%, and 6.4% of exports, respectively, totaling only 47.9% of total flows. The remaining 52.1% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports sanitary paper products to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy imported 116.2 thousand tonnes of sanitary paper products, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports in kind of sanitary paper products relied on a wide range of partner countries. The Netherlands, Germany, and Czechia accounted for 17.8%, 17.3%, and 11.8% of imports, respectively, together taking just 46.8% 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, Italy's imported sanitary paper products volumes amounted to 385 million US dollars, reflecting a modest increase of 4.8% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 388 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 15.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports in value terms of sanitary paper products were not concentrated on a few key markets. Germany, the Netherlands, and Czechia accounted for 17.6%, 17.4%, and 10.6% of imports, respectively, jointly representing only 45.6% 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