Italy’s olive oil imports exceed domestic production

Italy is becoming increasingly dependent on olive oil imports amid a long-term decline in domestic production. According to ISTAT, the country produced 379 mln liters of olive oil in 2025, while imports reached 565 mln liters.

Over the past two decades, Italy’s olive oil production has fallen by 38%, from 603 mln liters in 2006. Over the same period, imports increased by 44%, while exports rose by 43% to 298 mln liters.

In 2025, exports accounted for nearly 79% of domestic production. Only 81 mln liters of Italian-produced olive oil remained for the domestic market, compared with 394 mln liters in 2006.

The decline in production occurred despite almost unchanged olive-growing area. Between 2006 and 2025, planted area fell by just 1.4%, while average yields declined by 26.1%, from 30.7 to 22.7 quintals/ha. ISTAT links the decline to climatic, phytosanitary and production-related pressures.

Ahead of the new season, high olive oil inventories in Italy remain an additional market factor. Industry organizations warn that large unsold stocks could complicate the start of the new harvest and increase pressure on the domestic market.

Tags: imports, olive oil, Italy