Italian Eyewear Exports Show Early Signs of Recovery in First Half of 2026

Thursday, October 1 2026 | 08 h 22 min | News

The Italian eyewear industry closed the first half of 2026 with mixed performance, marked by ongoing international uncertainty and a sharp contraction in exports to the United States. Despite this pressure, exports showed gradual signs of recovery month by month, and Europe strengthened its role as the industry’s primary market.

From January to June, Italian eyewear exports — frames, sunglasses and lenses — totaled €2.7 billion, down 2.7% compared to the same period in 2025. Sunglasses fell 3.7%, frames 1.1%, while lenses grew 6.0%. Imports rose 7.4%, but the trade balance remained strongly positive at €1.7 billion.

Monthly data showed improvement after a weak start: January dropped 14.3%, but declines narrowed in February and March, followed by growth in April (+3.0%) and June (+3.7%).

Europe remains the stabilizing force

Exports to Europe grew 4.4%, with solid results in Germany (+7.1%), Spain (+3.5%), Portugal (+13.4%) and Eastern Europe, including Poland (+20.9%) and Hungary (+10.4%). The Americas fell 20.1%, driven by a 24.3% decline in North America. Exports to the U.S. dropped 25.1%, representing more than €107 million in lost value.

Asia declined 6.0%, though Hong Kong posted strong growth (+72.9%) due to its role as a regional hub.

Domestic market stable

The Italian optical retail market reached €1.8 billion, up 0.3% year‑over‑year. Ophthalmic lenses grew 1.5%, driven by strong demand for progressive lenses, while frames fell 2.0% and sunglasses remained stable.

Outlook

ANFAO President Lorraine Berton notes cautious optimism: Europe’s resilience and improving monthly export trends highlight the industry’s adaptability, though U.S. market conditions remain a key variable heading into the second half of 2026.

Source : ANFAO

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