Plastic Export of Italy: A Comprehensive Trade Analysis

Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic materials derived from petroleum and natural gas, popular for their versatile nature. The adaptability and low cost, along with the increasing demand in different sectors ranging from packaging and consumer goods to aerospace, have been increasing its global trade. Italy, on the Apennine Peninsula, sharing borders with France and the Vatican City in the north and west direction, has emerged as a leading exporter of plastics in the international trade market. ItalyImport Data says that, due to the high-quality extrusion and molding technologies, the automation and robotics in production, along with the skilled workforce in polymer engineering, have been gradually increasing the export of plastics from Italy.

The diversified industrial base and the strong export-oriented small and medium enterprises have recorded an export trade value of plastics worth 42 billion US dollars in 2024. The stronger investment in circular economy models and the reliable access to European Union structural funds have substantially contributed to the overall export revenue rate. Subscribe to Import Globals, the Italy import export trade provider, to stay updated with the latest information regarding the plastics export of Italy via the Italy Trade Data.

WHY ARE PLASTICS A GLOBALLY TRADED COMMODITY?

Plastics right now are a crucial component of the global trade market because of their cost-effectiveness and versatility. It is applicable in different industrial sectors. The ability of plastics to be molded, extruded, and processed into different shapes makes them indispensable for every sector of the global economy. The essential role played by plastics in packaging has been driving the role of the trade among other commodities.

The specific product, being lightweight, durable, and moisture-resistant, holds a longer shelf-life, which is preferred by the global consumer base. Most of the industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical technologies, rely on high-performance plastics due to their lower weight and strength to reduce weight, while offering efficiency and innovation benefits.

THE LEADING VARIANTS OF PLASTICS EXPORTED FROM ITALY

Italy, to maintain compatibility with the growing global demands, has introduced diversification in the export portfolio. According to the Italy Export Data, the top 10 leading variants of plastics exported from the nation in 2024 are,

Polyethylene — The annual valuation of Polyethylene exported from Italy in 2024–13 billion US dollars
Polypropylene- The annual valuation of Polypropylene exported from Italy in 2024–12 billion US dollars
Polyvinyl Chloride- The annual valuation of Polyvinyl Chloride exported from Italy in 2024–8 billion US dollars
Polyethylene Terephthalate- The annual valuation of Polyethylene Terephthalate exported from Italy in 2024–7 billion US dollars
Polystyrene — The annual valuation of Polystyrene exported from Italy in 2024–6 billion US dollars
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene- The annual valuation of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene exported from Italy in 2024–5 billion US dollars
Polycarbonate- The annual valuation of Polycarbonate exported from Italy in 2024–4 billion US dollars
Polyamides- The annual valuation of Polyamides exported from Italy in 2024–3 billion US dollars
Polyurethane- The annual valuation of Polyurethane exported from Italy in 2024–2 billion US dollars
Thermoplastic Elastomers — The annual valuation of Thermoplastic Elastomers exported from Italy in 2024–1.8 billion US dollars

THE TOP 10 EXPORT TRADE PARTNERS OF ITALY

Driven mostly by the tariff strategies and stronger integration towards supply chain management, the country has established a well-maintained bilateral relationship with the topmost trade authorities. As per the Italy Customs Data, the top 10 export trade partners of the nation for plastics exported in 2024 are,

Germany — The total valuation of plastics exported from Italy to Germany in 2024–16 billion US dollars