Vulcanised rubber thread and cord market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian market for vulcanised rubber thread and cord contracted in both volume and value, with market size falling from 4 811 t to 3 950 t and from $51.7 million to $38.6 million. This decline was followed by a sharp volume recovery in 2021 to 5 885 t, although the market value dropped to $23.0 million, suggesting a shift toward lower-priced products or changed price structures.

In 2022, market volume eased to 5 353 t while value continued to decrease to $19.8 million. During this period, the global vulcanised rubber market was expanding, with trade reaching $756 million, and Italy's own rubber sector was adapting to national circular economy rules that govern the use of vulcanised rubber from end-of-life tyres. These regulations aimed to transform waste rubber into a resource, potentially affecting raw material supply for domestic production.

Innovations such as certified rubber kerbs for urban infrastructure appeared, indicating diversification in product applications. The market showed significant volatility across the observed period from 2018 to 2022.

Production vulcanised rubber thread and cord in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of vulcanised rubber thread and cord has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 31 111 thousand US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 13.3%. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 26.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 9.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's production of vulcanised rubber thread and cord has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 338.0 tonnes, representing a 15.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production declined by 18.6%, averaging an annualized reduction of 6.6%.

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

Exports vulcanised rubber thread and cord from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord have increased for the second year running. In 2020, export volume reached 877 tonnes, showing a substantial 43.3% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 611 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were the top buyers of vulcanised rubber thread and cord from Italy, accounting for 21.1%, 9.5%, and 9.1% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 39.7% of total exports, indicating a diversified export structure across multiple 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, K $ US

Italy's exports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord have rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, exports were valued at 5 150 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 9.5% increase year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 702 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom were among the largest buyers of vulcanised rubber thread and cord from Italy in value terms, with shares of 29.4%, 8.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. Together, they accounted for just 45.4% of total exports, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports vulcanised rubber thread and cord to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 489 tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 8.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 006 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Malaysia dominated Italy's imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord in kind, jointly accounting for 89.2% of total imports, while other markets held the remaining share.

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, K $ US

Italy's imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord have increased after a two-year reduction. In 2020, imports totalled 12 670 thousand US dollars, up by 4.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 151 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Malaysia concentrated most of Italy's imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord in value terms, with other markets playing a less significant role individually.

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

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