In 2023, Italy's intra-EU28 imports of paper and cardboard waste stood at approximately 180 thousand metric tons. The forecast indicates a declining trend, with imports dropping from 173.33 thousand metric tons in 2024 to 148.77 thousand metric tons by 2028. This represents a year-on-year decreasing trend of about -3.7% specifically from 2024 to 2025, and projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -3.54% from 2024 to 2028.

Future trends to watch for include:

Changes in EU regulations affecting recycling materials trade.
Italy's domestic recycling capacity improvements and their potential impact on import demand.
Sustainability initiatives and their influence on waste management practices.