Soap bars and rganic surface-active products market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Italian market for soap bars and organic surface-active products saw stable physical volumes, fluctuating between 97 and 102 thousand tons. However, market value experienced notable shifts, peaking at 192.7 million US dollars in 2020. This increase in value was driven by the introduction of stringent COSMOS ORGANIC certification standards for organic soaps, which raised production costs and consumer prices. Concurrently, growing consumer preference for natural, cruelty-free, and skin-sensitive products supported demand for premium segments. In 2021, rising raw material costs for fats, oils, and surfactants pressured the market, contributing to a slight contraction in volume and value.

The market volume surged by 38% to 134.6 thousand tons in 2022, though its value declined to 134.8 million US dollars, indicating a shift toward more affordable products or increased efficiency. European regulatory strengthening, such as the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act, alongside a growing share of natural and sustainable products, provided context for market restructuring. In 2023, consumption of surfactants dropped sharply, leading to a 49% fall in volume to 68.7 thousand tons and a 33% decrease in value to 90.2 million US dollars. The market rebounded in 2024, with volume rising to 80.9 thousand tons and value to 133.7 million US dollars, fueled by the launch of new ecological detergent lines by major players like Unilever and sustained consumer interest in certified, sustainable soap products.

Production soap bars and rganic surface-active products in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of soap bars and organic surface-active products has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 224.0 million US dollars, representing a 5.4% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 134.3 thousand tonnes of soap bars and organic surface-active products, a 3.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 27.1%, equivalent to an 8.3% annualized rate. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 25.2%.

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

Exports soap bars and rganic surface-active products from Italy

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products totaled 61 816 tonnes, up 7.1% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 4.3%, and the highest increase was in 2018 at 30.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's export market for soap bars and organic surface-active products was diverse. The United States (15.8% of exports in kind), France (12.5%), and Spain (8.4%) together accounted for only 36.7% of total flows, with the remaining 63.3% distributed among numerous other countries.

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 soap bars and organic surface-active products declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 165.8 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 20.1%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 171.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 2.9% and the highest increase in 2018 at 24.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports in value terms were spread across a wide range of partner countries. France (15.9% of exports in value terms), the United States (14.1%), and Spain (7.3%) collectively represented just 37.3% 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 soap bars and rganic surface-active products to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Italy's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products declined. In 2020, imports stood at 26 836 tonnes, reflecting an 8.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 10.4%, equivalent to a 3.4% annualized rate. The highest volume was in 2019 at 29 260 tonnes, with the largest increase in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (29.1% of imports in kind), Turkey (14.0%), and the United Kingdom (7.8%) remained the top suppliers of soap bars and organic surface-active products to Italy, together accounting for 50.9% 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

Italy's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 134.5 million US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 40.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 109.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's supplier base for soap bars and organic surface-active products was broad. Germany (22.7% of imports in value terms), the Netherlands (15.3%), and Spain (9.1%) together contributed only 47.1% of total imports in value terms, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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