In 2024, Italy's export and import figures were different. Shipments abroad fell to a ten-year low due to weak manufacturing activity, the crisis in the German automotive sector and geopolitical tensions, while consumption remained stable, Kallanish notes.
Italian steel shipments decreased by 5.7% year-on-year to 14.9 million tons, but imports remained stable at 18.5 million tons. As a result, the national steel trade deficit increased from 2.6 million tons in 2023 to 3.6 million tons last year.
Imports from the European Union reached 8.4 million tons, which is 3.1% more than last year. Germany increased shipments to Italy by about 200,000 tons to 2.2 million tons. Spain supplied 992,000 tons, while France supplied 1.6 million tons, which is a moderate increase. Germany has confirmed its position as the largest supplier with a share of 12% of total imports.
Europe still consumes 80% of Italian steel shipped abroad. The decrease was recorded in Germany by 2.8 million tons, France by 1.5 million tons, Austria by 804,000 tons and Spain by 798,000 tons. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales to the Czech Republic by 875,000 tons and Romania by 676,000 tons.
.Steel imports to Italy from non-EU countries decreased to 10.1 million tons in 2024, which is 2.6% less. The decrease was caused by lower shipments from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia, partially offset by increased shipments from Turkey, which increased from 615,000 tons to 1.2 million tons, and increased shipments from India.
.Exports to the markets of non-EU countries decreased by 8.1% to 3 million tons, which is the lowest figure in the last two decades. Exports to Switzerland decreased by 550,000 tons, to Turkey by 355,000 tons and to the United States by 325,000 tons. Growth was recorded in Bosnia, Serbia and Canada.
.Natalia Capra France
Kallanish.com
