Synthetic organic colours and lakes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

European regulations governing the production and labeling of synthetic colorants, along with growing demand for high-intensity dyes, supported the Italian market in the late 2010s. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains, leading to a contraction in trade flows. Concurrently, interest in low-environmental-impact synthetic dyes increased in response to European and North American environmental standards.

The market rebounded in 2021-2022, with volume rising to 118 605 t in 2022. This growth was driven by acquisitions strengthening local natural colorant production, rising demand for natural food colorants in health-oriented products like sports drinks, and the launch of new cosmetic and hair care lines such as Alfaparf Milano's BB bleach. Additionally, expanded use of high-performance synthetic organic pigments in plastics, paints, and automotive applications boosted manufacturing output.

After peaking in 2022, market volume declined to 92 372 t in 2023 and further to 85 847 t in 2024. European regulations pushing for eco-friendly, low-VOC formulations and demand for certified colorants continued to shape product offerings, but overall consumption decreased during this period.

Production synthetic organic colours and lakes in Italy

According to Faostat, there is no production of synthetic organic colours and lakes in Italy.

Exports synthetic organic colours and lakes from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of synthetic organic colours and lakes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, export volume stood at 41 300 tonnes, but by 2020 it had dropped significantly to 32 811 tonnes, marking a 20.5% decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 41.7%, with an average annual decline of 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and France were the largest buyers of synthetic organic colours and lakes from Italy, though none dominated the market. Germany accounted for 12.7% of exports by volume, Poland for 11.8%, and France for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 33.7% of Italy's total exports, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller partners.

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 synthetic organic colours and lakes in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports were valued at 246.0 million US dollars, but in 2020 they fell to 204.6 million US dollars, a drop of 16.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The peak was in 2018 at 256.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of synthetic organic colours and lakes in value terms were widely distributed among partner countries. Germany led with 12.0% of the total value, followed by France at 7.9% and Poland at 7.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 27.4% of Italy's total export flows, indicating a diverse market.

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

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

Imports synthetic organic colours and lakes to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of synthetic organic colours and lakes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, import volume was 74 000 tonnes, but by 2020 it had decreased to 67 693 tonnes, reflecting an 8.5% year-over-year reduction. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 13.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Germany, and Spain were the top suppliers of synthetic organic colours and lakes to Italy. India accounted for 25.0% of imports by volume, Germany for 15.3%, and Spain for 13.6%. Together, these three countries made up 53.9% of Italy's total imports in this category.

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

After rising for two years, Italy's imports of synthetic organic colours and lakes in value terms declined. In 2019, imports reached a peak of 569.8 million US dollars, but in 2020 they dropped to 459.0 million US dollars, a sharp decrease of 19.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 13.7%, with an average annual decline of 4.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, India, and China remained the key partners for Italy's imports of synthetic organic colours and lakes in value terms. Germany accounted for 24.0% of the total value, India for 21.4%, and China for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 57.5% of Italy's 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