Sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates in Italy declined from 334.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 273.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, with the market value dropping from 98.4 million USD to 90.2 million USD over the same period.

By 2022, the market rebounded sharply to 369.7 thousand tonnes, valued at 136.3 million USD. This growth was primarily driven by the introduction of new water quality regulations, specifically Legislative Decree 23 February 2023, n. 18, which established a risk-based approach for drinking water and likely increased demand for sulphates and alums used in water treatment. Concurrently, rising energy costs and inflation pressured industrial production, leading to plant closures in energy-intensive sectors, which may have constrained supply but did not prevent overall market expansion.

Following 2022, import volumes fell to 234.3 thousand tonnes in 2023 and 239.9 thousand tonnes in 2024, while exports also decreased. Regulatory developments continued, with the strengthening of water quality controls and the implementation of the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, affecting packaging requirements. Additionally, government incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments aimed to support industrial modernization amid ongoing economic challenges.

Production sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Italy, the output value of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates remained stable in 2020, reaching 21 398 K $ US. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy produced 26 640 t of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates in 2020, showing little change from 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 51.8%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 21.6%.

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

Exports sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates from Italy increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 23.9 K t, a slight rise of 1.0% compared to 2019. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 21.8 K t, with the largest decline of 10.4% occurring that year. The largest increase of 8.4% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of exports in kind was diversified, with France (17.9% of exports in kind), Germany (9.3%), and Switzerland (8.6%) together accounting for only 35.8% of total flows. The remaining 64.2% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

Cross-border shipments of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates from Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 29.4 M $ US, marking a robust decrease of 13.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 7.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 34.5 M $ US, with the largest increase of 8.5% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. Switzerland (14.7% of exports in value terms), France (10.6%), and Slovenia (8.3%) together accounted for just 33.6% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates into Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 270.3 K t, a decrease of 9.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 301.1 K t, with the largest increase of 8.5% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (31.9% of imports in kind), Germany (18.6%), and Austria (16.3%) stood out as the main sources for imports in kind, together representing 66.8% 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

Cross-border shipments of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates into Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 98.2 M $ US, constituting a solid fall of 10.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 112.3 M $ US, with the largest increase of 12.4% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (25.2% of imports in value terms), China (15.4%), and Spain (11.0%) were the principal sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 51.5% 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