A recent Italian Optical Manufacturers Association (ANFAO) report covering the January-June 2025 period revealed a sharp drop of more than 34% in exports to the United States, historically the leading market for Italian eyewear. ANFAO attributes this significant decline to new tariffs and a climate of political and economic uncertainty. The new import duty regime (10% in the first 6 months of 2025, which then raised to 15% since August) has made Italian exports less competitive, according to the ANFAO.
“The figures for the first half of the year offer a complex picture: on the one hand, the drop in the United States, impacted by the new duties, and on the other, encouraging signs from Europe and emerging markets.”
Other Avenues for Exports
The declining US numbers are a stark contrast compared to the momentum seen in other regions. Europe, the leading area for Italian eyewear exports, grew by 8.0% compared to the first half of 2024 and accounted for nearly 60% of total exports. Germany (+6.0%), Spain (+17.1%), and the United Kingdom (+3.0%) were among the traditional Italian eyewear markets that reported growth.
Additionally, China (+29.5%) and Mexico (+47%) trended up during the first 6 months of 2025. These figures indicate that Italian eyewear companies are finding new pathways for exports.
“The figures for the first half of the year offer a complex picture: on the one hand, the drop in the United States, impacted by the new duties, and on the other, encouraging signs from Europe and emerging markets,” said ANFAO President Lorraine Berton. “Italian eyewear has shown extraordinary resilience over time, but we cannot tackle such an uncertain global scenario alone.”
Italian Exports Drop Overall
Overall, Italian eyewear, which exports about 90% of its production exports, reached 2.8 billion euros between January and June 2025, a drop of 3.7% compared to the first half of 2024. The sunglasses segment, which accounts for more than two-thirds of Italian eyewear exports, was down 5.5% globally. Lenses increased slightly (+1.2%), while frames remained stable (+0.1%).
“Our industry is an excellence recognized worldwide and will continue to strive to grow and innovate,” said Berton. “But there needs to be a joint public and private commitment to defend and strengthen this unique Italian heritage.”
