In 2023, the self-employed workforce in Italy's fabricated metal products manufacturing sector stood at 93.7 thousand units. Forecasts indicate a steady decline from 92.1 thousand units in 2024 to 86.3 thousand units by 2028. This translates to a year-on-year decrease of 1.63% from 2024 to 2025, 1.55% from 2025 to 2026, and further declining trends, ultimately marking a five-year CAGR of approximately -2.01%.

Future trends to watch for include:

The impact of technological innovations and automation on self-employment.
Regulatory changes affecting small manufacturers and independent entrepreneurs.
Economic and trade developments within the European Union that might influence market dynamics.