The wood market - Italy

The global wood market has seen a slight increase in roundwood production from 3.91 billion m³ in 2020 to 3.96 billion m³ in 2021, with China being the largest producer, accounting for 21.6% of total production. Italy, despite having a significant forest area, mainly imports its wood, with imports rising by 25% in 2021 to $5.7 billion, while exports remained stable, leading to a consistent trade deficit. Italian wood industry's total turnover in 2020 was €11.4 billion, though this was lower compared to previous years due to the pandemic. The wood construction sector in Italy has experienced growth, reaching a turnover of €1.795 billion in 2022, a 29.1% increase from 2021. The Italian furniture sector, a vital part of the wood market, also grew by 18.5% in 2021 compared to 2019, boosted by tax incentives like the 110% Superbonus and the furniture bonus. Additionally, wood packaging manufacturing turnover increased by 46.5% from 2010 to 2019. Prices for wood experienced high volatility; in the US market, prices dropped by 38.4% from April 2021 to April 2022, while in Italy, prices rose significantly between January 2021 and December 2023. The wood industry in Italy is fragmented, with significant decreases in the number of companies and employees from 2013 to 2020. The sector is now supported by initiatives like the Italian Wood Exchange launched in 2023, aiming to connect supply and demand. In terms of production, Italy saw a significant increase of 83% in wood item production in 2021, amounting to €15.225 billion. The market is monitored by EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) which requires due diligence to prevent illegal wood trade, with penalties for non-compliance. Major international and Italian companies operate in this sector, with turnovers ranging from €42.7 million to over €10 billion for different groups..### Trends in the Italian Wood Market The Italian wood market is a dynamic sector deeply rooted in both the nation's economy and its topographical wealth. With Italy's forests covering more than 11 million hectares, equating to around a third of its total land surface, the industry underpins a significant portion of the nation’s manufacturing and export activities. Despite this extensive forest coverage, the nation still imports around 80 percent of wood required for industrial purposes, highlighting a gap between domestic supply and demand. In 2021, the overall demand for industrial roundwood on a global scale was slightly elevated from the previous year, resting at around 3.96 billion cubic meters. Specifically in Italy, the wood industry encapsulates approximately 40,000 companies, employing around 100,000 people – a noticeable decline from previous records which indicates a sectorial contraction rather than a convergence. One of the driving forces behind wood demand in Italy is the robust wooden furniture sector, identified as a global leader, particularly within the European market. Renowned for its design finesse and quality, 'Made in Italy' has become synonymous with excellence in wood furniture. Alongside furniture, wood construction and wood packaging are other significant sectors propelling demand, with wood construction showcasing remarkable growth in recent years due to its ecological and practical benefits. The international timber market has seen a surge in prices which have fluctuated considerably over the past year. In Italy, prices have also risen notably, bolstered by the European geopolitical climate. This rise points to a market responsive to global trends and local economic strategies. Regulation plays a crucial role, with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) mandating strict compliance to ensure the legality of wood and wood products entering the market. Operators are required to implement due diligence systems, ensuring robust traceability and cutting the risk of illegally harvested wood. Such regulatory frameworks underscore the market's direction toward sustainability and responsible commerce. When looking at the distribution of companies geographically within Italy, there is a dispersed layout with Lombardy and Veneto being the regions housing the highest number of companies. Despite the significant number of enterprises, this has not yet led to a phase of concentration, and rather mirrors a period of industry crisis, as seen by a decrease in both the number of companies and the employment figures within the sector. In recent developments, the launch of the Italian Wood Exchange aims to create a synergistic digital platform bringing closer alignment between supply and demand. The exchange serves as a testament to Italy's continued innovation and adaptation within the wood industry, emphasizing the importance.### Key Players Shaping the Italian Wood Market Landscape Within the dynamic Italian wood market, there are several prominent players who have not only shaped the landscape of the industry but have also made significant contributions to its growth and innovation. International groups and Italian manufacturers alike operate within this sector, offering a diverse array of wood products and services. Below are the main actors that have a strong presence in the Italian wood market: #### International Groups **Egger** - Originating from Austria, Egger is a leading name in the wood-based materials industry, widely recognized for its comprehensive range of products that extend from decorative panels to ecological construction materials. **Swiss Krono Group** - With Swiss roots, this group commands a strong presence within the international market, known for its high-quality wood products ranging from laminate flooring to building materials, catering to various construction and furnishing needs. **Mohawk Industries** - As a global flooring titan based out of the United States, Mohawk Industries offers a vast selection of flooring products including hardwood, catering to a wide market with a reputation for durability and design. **Wilsonart** - A Texas-born company that specializes in engineered surfaces, Wilsonart delivers innovative and aesthetic solutions through a variety of products including laminate and quartz surfaces, catering to both commercial and residential demands. **Plywood Garnish** - Known for its expertise in plywood production, this company focuses on providing quality materials that are essential for many sectors, from construction to furniture making, enhancing the utility and versatility of wood products. #### Italian Manufacturers **Mauro Saviola Group Srl** - This Italian group is renowned for its environmentally sustainable approach, producing wood panels and other furniture components with a focus on recycling wood and creating eco-friendly products. **Fantoni Spa** - Established in Italy, Fantoni is a benchmark in the production of office furniture, sound-absorbent panels, and MDF boards, bringing Italian craftsmanship and innovation to the international market. **Frati Luigi Spa** - With a solid Italian foundation, Frati Luigi Spa produces and sells a multitude of wood-based panels that are both versatile for users and respectful towards the environment. **Cleaf Spa** - Renowned for its surface design prowess, Cleaf Spa offers a refined selection of panels and flooring, reflecting the elegance and quality associated with Italian manufacturing. **S.A.I.B. - Società Agglomerati Industriali Bosi** - This company takes pride in the production of high-quality chipboard panels tailored to the needs of furniture and interior design, highlighting Italian innovation within wood

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 12/07/2023

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