Italian eyewear: geographic excellence standing strong against global challenges
From the historic valleys of Cadore to global leadership in luxury: the first half of 2025 confirms the resilience of a sector capable of redefining development trajectories.
Italian eyewear is not just an industrial segment; it is a deeply rooted heritage of know-how and an unrivalled symbol of Made in Italy. This supply chain, which in 2024 counted around 814 companies nationwide and 19,000 employees, combines manufacturing excellence, materials research and iconic design. Over the past year, it has successfully navigated a complex geopolitical landscape, emerging from the first half of 2025 not only unscathed, but with the strength of a player that truly masters the global market.
A challenging scenario and new trade routes
Despite global instability, Italian eyewear – which exports around 90% of its production – closed the first half of 2025 with an export value of €2.8 billion. Although this result reflects a slight overall decrease of -3.7% compared to an exceptionally strong 2024, it confirms the structural solidity of the sector.
Its ability to innovate is reflected in the performance of the optical segments: frames (prescription eyewear) kept pace with growth of +0.1%, while lenses recorded an increase of +1.2%. Only sunglasses, the segment most exposed to market fluctuations, saw a decline of -5.5%.
In the face of global uncertainty, Italy has leveraged its strongest strategic assets: diversification and excellence.
Europe has reaffirmed itself as the undisputed pillar, growing overall by a solid +8% and absorbing almost 60% of total exports. Within this framework, the dynamism of Eastern European markets – with Poland (+21.3%) and Hungary (+24.5%) posting strong growth – has been particularly significant.
A crucial signal of confidence has come from the East, with China returning to centre stage, posting +29.5% and confirming the unrelenting Asian demand for high-end, design-driven Made in Italy products.
Across the Atlantic, the sector has inevitably been affected by the downturn in the US market, largely linked to the impact of new tariffs introduced in the country. However, this challenge has accelerated the search for new routes: Mexico, for example, has recorded an exceptional growth of +47%, positioning itself as a potential alternative strategic hub.
From Belluno to global luxury
The true story of Italian success is rooted in the valleys of the Dolomites. The eyewear industry has a unique core: the Belluno–Cadore district, which accounts for around 70% of total national production.
This is no coincidence, but the legacy of a history that began in Calalzo di Cadore back in 1878, with the founding of the first Italian eyewear factory by Angelo Frescura.
Today, the district stands out for two key factors:
Integrated supply chain: major global groups coexist here with a dense network of specialised SMEs supplying machinery, components and treatments, ensuring full control over industrial know-how.
Leadership in luxury: this concentration of excellence has enabled Italy to establish itself as the no. 1 producer in Europe of frames and sunglasses and, above all, as the world’s leading producer and exporter in the high-end (luxury) segment.
This success is driven by the “premiumisation” trend, which has definitively transformed eyewear from a mere optical device into an essential fashion and luxury accessory.
Backed by its history and unique supply chain, Italian eyewear is ready to navigate the future with the authority of a global benchmark in excellence.
Italy is ready to welcome foreign partners and companies interested in collaborating with one of the most dynamic and influential sectors of Made in Italy. Seize Italian eyewear business opportunities with OpportunItaly – join the programme.
Source:
ANFAO, 2024 Sector Preliminary Figures, 2025 Preview
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