Solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

At the start of the period, the Italian solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market showed volatility, with market volume declining from 309 thousand tons in 2018 to 258.5 thousand tons in 2019, then recovering to 299.1 thousand tons in 2020. During these years, the industry was characterized by a trend towards water-based paints to reduce solvent use and the introduction of new synthetic polymers such as epoxy and polyurethane resins. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a slowdown, but productive and commercial activities were deemed essential and continued, allowing the market to grow in volume despite a decrease in value.

The post-pandemic recovery led to a sharp market increase in 2021, with volume rising by 26% to 377.4 thousand tons, and growth continued in 2022 to 413.9 thousand tons. This uplift was supported by an increase in the number of large manufacturers with turnover exceeding 100 million euros and a series of regulatory changes. In 2022, updated volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations and new Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for public procurement came into force, stimulating demand for more eco-friendly products. Simultaneously, mandatory labeling for products containing di-isocyanates and the development of digitally integrated industrial coating systems contributed to sector modernization.

In 2023, the market faced a correction, with volume dropping to 283.7 thousand tons, largely due to the end of the Superbonus 110% incentives that had previously supported unprecedented growth in the construction sector. Meanwhile, the industry continued evolving towards more sustainable and high-performance solutions, with investments in powder coating technologies and color customization. In 2024, market volume slightly recovered to 295.7 thousand tons, against the backdrop of tighter European industrial emission standards and chemical safety updates that promote cleaner technologies.

Production solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 834 million US dollars, marking a slight reduction of 3.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.2%, with an average annual decline of 4.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes increased in 2020, following two years of decline. The country produced 503.0 thousand tonnes, up 5.1% from the prior year. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 11.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 478.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018, at 10.0%.

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

Exports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined in 2020, ending a two-year upward trend. The country exported 266.5 thousand tonnes, representing a modest decrease of 5.2% year-over-year. The peak was in 2019, with 281.2 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 9.0% of exports in kind, Spain for 8.8%, and Poland for 8.3%, with these three countries together making up just 26.2% of total 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, M $ US

Italy's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 1 129 million US dollars, down 3.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6.4%, with an average annual growth of 2.1%. The highest value was in 2018, at 1 206 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.5%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 13.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms were spread across numerous markets. Germany contributed 9.1% of exports in value terms, Spain 8.1%, and Poland 7.8%, with these three countries jointly accounting for only 25.1% 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 solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes increased in 2020, reversing a two-year decline. The country imported 62.6 thousand tonnes, showing a small uptick of 2.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 61.2 thousand tonnes, and the largest drop occurred in 2019, at 15.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, Spain, and France were the core sources for Italy's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in kind. Germany accounted for 25.2% of imports in kind, Spain for 13.4%, and France for 12.9%, with these three countries together taking 51.4% 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

Italy's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 312 million US dollars, which is 8.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The peak was in 2018, at 370 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 5.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, France, and Spain remained the central markets for Italy's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms, together accounting for 51.0% 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