Tanning extracts, tannins and natural colours market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for vegetable tanning extracts and natural colours began the period at 37 239 t in 2018, then declined to 31 514 t in 2019 and further to 22 845 t in 2020. The drop in 2020 coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which indirectly disrupted production and supply chains across the sector. Earlier years were characterized by the steady presence of major producers like Silvateam and the promotion of traditional vegetable tanning by the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale.

A strong rebound followed, with market volume jumping to 33 397 t in 2021 and reaching 39 581 t in 2022. This recovery was supported by the development of innovative tanning processes, such as hybrid wet-white technology that combines natural tannins with chrome salts to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the introduction of guarantee tags to certify the use of natural tannins by tanneries like Conceria Il Ponte, along with industry trade fairs, helped revitalize market demand.

After the peak in 2022, the market contracted to 30 700 t in 2023 before edging up to 33 041 t in 2024. Throughout the entire period, the underlying trend favored natural and sustainable products, with key players continuously investing in eco-friendly solutions and transparency.

Production tanning extracts, tannins and natural colours in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 69 015 thousand US dollars, down 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 28.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 97 096 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping 28.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's production of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 16 285 tons were produced, a decrease of 9.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 36.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.9%.

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

Exports tanning extracts, tannins and natural colours from Italy

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy's exports of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors totaled 12 107 tons, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 13.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 061 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 14 685 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling 17.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors were distributed across many different markets. Even the largest destinations—France, the United States, and Germany—together accounted for only 23.8% of total export volume.

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 exports of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors were valued at 120.3 million US dollars, representing an 11.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping 0.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising 17.1%.

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. The United States, France, and Germany—accounting for 18.5%, 9.5%, and 9.2% of export value respectively—together represented just 37.2% 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 tanning extracts, tannins and natural colours to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 18 667 tons, a steep decrease of 27.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 657 tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year, rising 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Argentina, Spain, and Slovenia—together accounted for 50.4% of Italy's total import volume of tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors.

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 tanning extracts, tannins and natural colors declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 104.8 million US dollars, reflecting a controlled drop of 8.0% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 123.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling 8.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's import structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Argentina, Spain, and Austria—accounting for 15.8%, 13.1%, and 11.9% of import value respectively—jointly represented 40.8% of total flows, with many other countries making up the remaining 59.2%.

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

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