In 2023, Italy imported 34.64 thousand kilograms of true hemp fiber otherwise processed but not spun. Forecasts for 2024 show a slight decrease to 31.81 thousand kilograms, marking a year-on-year decline of approximately -8.18%. The projected decline continues in subsequent years with imports expected to reach 28.56 in 2025, 25.38 in 2026, 22.26 in 2027, and 19.21 thousand kilograms in 2028. Year-on-year variations illustrate a consistent downward trend with respective decreases of -10.21%, -11.13%, -12.29%, and -13.71%. Over the five years, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is forecasted at approximately -11.07%.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Potential shifts in regulatory policies favoring sustainable materials, potentially impacting demand.
- Technological advancements in hemp processing and its diversification applications might alter consumption patterns.
- Market competition from alternative fibers and their influence on the demand for hemp fiber imports.