Italian Eyewear Exports Decline 2.7% in H1 2026 Amid U.S. Contraction and European Growth

Italian eyewear exports totaled €2.7 billion in the first half of 2026, a 2.7% decrease year-over-year, according to ANFAO data reported by OptikNow. The decline was driven by a sharp 25.1% drop in exports to the United States, representing over €107 million in lost value, while the Americas region fell 20.1%. Conversely, Europe grew as the primary stabilizing market with a 4.4% increase, led by gains in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Hungary. By category, lenses rose 6.0%, frames dipped 1.1%, and sunglasses fell 3.7%. Monthly trends showed recovery after a weak January, with growth recorded in April and June. The domestic Italian optical retail market remained stable at €1.8 billion, up 0.3%.