Rising Energy Costs and Regulations Challenge Italy’s Ceramics Sector

Rising Energy Costs and Regulations Challenge Italy’s Ceramics Sector

Italy: The Civita Castellana ceramics district, which accounts for over 90 per cent of Italy’s sanitary ware production, is facing mounting challenges due to increasing energy costs, growing foreign competition, and stricter environmental regulations. Augusto Ciarrocchi, manager of Flaminia and president of Confindustria Ceramica, raised concerns ahead of the Cersaie international ceramics fair in Bologna, noting that high operational expenses are affecting competitiveness. He stated that energy costs for European producers are three times higher than in other regions, with Italian manufacturers paying around 50 per cent more than their European counterparts. 

Ciarrocchi also highlighted that, starting in January, the end of free allowances under the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) could raise costs by a further 15 per cent, potentially discouraging investment in the sector. He cautioned that the combination of rising costs and competition from low-priced imports that do not meet European environmental and social standards could undermine the strength of Italy’s ceramics exports, particularly those from the Civita Castellana district. 

Source: CORRIERREDIVITERBO