Italy craftsmanship sector faces significant decline

The Italian craftsmanship sector is facing a significant decline. Data from CNA and CGIA indicate that between 2015 and 2025, the number of active artisans in Italy dropped from approximately 1.7 million to nearly 1.3 million, representing a 25.1% decrease.

Key drivers of this contraction include competition from e-commerce and large-scale retail, changing consumer habits, rising operational costs, and a demographic crisis characterized by an aging workforce and a lack of generational renewal. In many urban areas, traditional workshops are at risk of extinction.

Regional analysis shows varying levels of impact. Provinces like Nuoro, Cuneo, and Fermo maintain high concentrations of artisanal activity, while others like Pesaro-Urbino and Mantova have seen sharp recent declines. In Sicily, Enna remains a stronghold for the sector, though the region follows the broader national trend of contraction. Major metropolitan areas like Milan, Rome, and Naples show significantly lower artisanal density compared to provincial hubs.