Italian brick production up 12.1%

According to figures published in the Confindustria Ceramica national statistical survey the brick and tile output grew to 4.46 million tonnes, marking a return to 2019 levels.

After years of steady decline and a 2020 performance that was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Italian brick and tile industry is reversing the trend and returning to growth. In 2021, the sector’s output grew by 12.1% year-on-year to 4.46 million tonnes, marking a return to 2019 levels.

According to figures published in the Confindustria Ceramica national statistical survey, all product types are seeing growth. Production of standard masonry bricks and blocks grew by 20.6%, lightened blocks by 4.9%, floor blocks by 4.8% and bases by 28.2%. The production of hollow blocks and hollow tiles grew by 8.9%, roof tiles by 26.9% and facing bricks by 8.9%.

The 62 companies operating in the sector nationwide in 2021 with 78 production sites and 3,000 employees reported total revenues of €500 million.

Variations in product type by region

The production of standard bricks and blocks grew significantly in the North-West (+21.1%), the North-East (+36.1%) and Central Italy (+14.2%). Growth was less pronounced in the South (+2.1%).

Lightened masonry blocks saw significant growth in production in the North-East (+19.2%). The variations were less significant but still in positive territory in the North-West (+4.7%) and Centre (+9.9%), while the South saw a decline (-23.7%).

The production of hollow blocks and hollow tiles saw a particularly strong increase in the North-West (+25.5%). Growth was more moderate in the North-East (+12.8%) and the Centre (-13.3%), while production in the South contracted (-13.3%).

The production of facing brick and pavers grew, particularly in the South (+18.8%) and in the North-West (+16.7%). It also increased in the Centre (+13.0%) and in the North-East (+5.9%).

Production of floor blocks and bases grew in the North-West (+23.1%), the North-East (+11.8%) and the Centre (+11.2%) but fell in the South (-10.8%).

Roof tile production saw a positive trend throughout the country, particularly in the North-West (+24.2%), the North-East (+44.2%), the Centre (+14.9%) and the South (+27.2%).

An analysis of variations across different Italian regions revealed an increase in total production of 17.8% in the North-West and of 22.5% in the North-East. Production in the Centre increased by 11.4%, while total production in the South decreased by 13.4% compared to 2020.

As for geographical distribution, 42 out of the 78 active facilities are located in northern Italy and produced more than 2.4 million tonnes of clay products in 2021. The remaining 36 facilities located in central and southern Italy produced 2.1 million tonnes of bricks and roof tiles in 2021.