ANFAO Reports Slight Recovery in Italian Eyewear Exports Amid US Decline and European Growth

Italian manufacturers' association ANFAO reported that Italian eyewear exports reached €2.7 billion in the first half of 2026, a 2.7% year-on-year decline. While total exports fell due to a significant 25.1% drop in shipments to the US (€320 million), monthly trends showed gradual recovery, with June exports rising 3.7%. Europe strengthened its position as the primary market, growing 4.4%, led by gains in Germany (+7.1%) and Poland (+20.9%). Conversely, Asia saw a 6.0% decrease. Domestically, Italy's optical retail market remained stable at €1.8 billion (+0.3%), outperforming broader European declines. ANFAO President Lorraine Berton emphasized geographic diversification as essential for competitiveness amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.