In the two-month period of January-February 2025, the hardware sector showed a trend characterized by stability dynamics, abeit not without challenges.

This is what emerges from Assofermet‘s market report, which analyzed the first two months of the hardware sector.

The global and local economic situation, particularly with regard to product costs, sea and road transport, and consumer and business confidence, continues to play a fundamental role in the evolution of the sector.

Prices and Market Trends

The price trend of products intended for the sector has shown variable trends in these first two months of 2025, but which overall depict a situation of a general increase.

Transport Costs and Container Freight Rates

The logistics sector has recorded a decline in maritime transport costs, with a reduction in container freight rates.

This reduction, while not completely resolving the problems related to the supply chain, can contribute to improving the supply situation for Hardware Distributors, bringing greater stability in delivery times and logistics costs.

Increased transport costs and logistical difficulties

While maritime container costs are finally decreasing from past peaks, road transport is facing a series of challenges that affect the distribution of goods, including in the hardware sector.

In the context of road transport, one of the main issues is the increase in operating costs, mainly due to the driver shortage.

The difficulty in recruitment and the consequent increase in staff wages have made land transport more expensive. Furthermore, environmental regulations are pushing the sector towards greater sustainability.

CO2 emission restrictions are forcing many logistics operators to revise their fleets, increasingly focusing on vehicles and solutions with a reduced environmental impact. Although this involves a significant initial commitment, it could prove to be a long-term solution to contain costs and meet sustainability needs.

At the distribution level, the trend of delivery speed has also influenced the Hardware Sector, with a growing demand for rapid delivery times; therefore, proper transport management is crucial.

Consumer and Business Confidence

Consumer confidence has shown positive signs, with the confidence index rising from 98.2 to 98.8 in February 2025.

This reflects a more optimistic perception of the economic situation among Italian families, who may therefore be more willing to invest in home improvement or other purchases in the Hardware Sector.

However, the business confidence indicator has decreased, falling from 95.7 to 94.8, a sign of some pessimism among Producers and Distributors. This decline could also be related to uncertainties regarding economic growth and raw material costs, although it has not yet had a significant negative impact on sales.

Sector Prospects and Growth Trends

The European DIY market, on which the Hardware Sector heavily relies, continues to grow, with projections estimating an increase in market value of over 30 billion Euros in the next five years. The trends of DIY (Do It Yourself) and renovations, fueled by the desire for greater autonomy in repairs and home improvements, are on the rise.

Sector Seniority and Generational Turnover

The Hardware Sector in Italy is historically consolidated, with many family businesses that have been operating on the market for generations.

These realities, although solid and rooted in the local economic fabric, are facing an evolution process due to various challenges, including the need for technological updating and adaptation to new consumer trends.

Many companies are trying to renew their internal structure through generational turnover, which is not always without difficulties.

Final Considerations

In summary, despite a decline in business morale, the Hardware Sector hopes to go through a stabilization phase, with positive signs on the demand side, not yet recorded, mainly thanks to the increase in consumer confidence.

The declining logistical costs of maritime transport could favor a positive trend in the Sector in the coming months. However, global uncertainties and signs of economic slowdown remain factors to be monitored carefully.

Furthermore, the Hardware Sector is also facing some transport-related challenges, such as driver shortages and pressures related to the application of environmental regulations. The key to addressing these difficulties lies in the ability to adapt quickly to new needs, investing in innovation and optimization, to maintain competitiveness even in an uncertain economic context.