Italian boating industry revenue reaches 8.72 billion euros as superyachts offset small craft decline

Industry turnover and market segmentation

Italy's pleasure boating sector reached a turnover of 8.72 billion euros in 2025, representing a 1.4% increase over 2024. The total encompasses pleasure craft, marine accessories, and propulsion engines across the domestic chain. Confindustria Nautica published the data in its statistical study La Nautica in Cifre - LOG, produced with Fondazione Edison and IULM COMAR. Industry representatives noted that the sector operates at three speeds following years of double-digit growth. Superyachts sustained expansion, whereas small and medium vessel builders faced a second consecutive year of contracting sales tied to tariffs, geopolitical instability, and middle-class spending caution. The figures were presented during the Boating Economic Forecast panel in Genoa, moderated by Sky TG24 Economia journalist Andrea Bignami.

The 2025 numbers once again present us with a strong industry, capable of reaching a new all-time high in a profoundly changed international scenario. But the overall figure must be read in its breakdown: after years of generalized double-digit growth, different performances now coexist among the various segments. The leadership of the high end and the extraordinary international vocation of our industry continue to represent elements of strength, while small boating is more affected by the uncertainties and difficulties that globally affect the middle class.

Export distribution and international demand

Italian shipyards build 53% of all superyachts produced worldwide, maintaining a specialized position in the luxury segment. Overall shipbuilding relies on global commerce, with 90% of domestic production exported abroad. European buyers purchased 40% of exported vessels, while the United States accounted for 17% and Middle Eastern markets represented 10%. Stefano Pagani Isnardi, director of Confindustria Nautica's research department, noted that following two negative seasons, autumn exhibitions could renew buyer interest in newly built or repowered vessels in 2026.

The last two seasons have been seasons with minus signs in front. For 2026, and therefore with the autumn boat shows, we expect instead that there will be a new willingness to get back on board new or at least repowered boats, so we are quite confident that this can happen also with the contribution of our Boat Show.

Employment figures and regulatory challenges

The sector contributed 7.51 billion euros to Italy's gross domestic product in 2025, accounting for 3.32 per thousand of the national economy. Direct manufacturing employment rose 3% over 2024 to 32,420 workers, while the extended supply chain employs approximately 170,000 people. Confindustria Nautica general director Marina Stella noted that shipyards require regulatory simplification and expanded physical spaces to keep pace with demand without European competition disadvantages. Fondazione Edison vice president Marco Fortis stated that the industry needs specialized trade schools to attract younger workers to manual manufacturing roles.

Inauguration of the Genoa Boat Show

The report preceded the 66th Genoa International Boat Show, opening on 1 October 2026. The official inauguration was scheduled for 11:30 with Italian cabinet members and industrial leaders. Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, and Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini confirmed attendance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was also expected to visit the exhibition during its run.

The middle class is the one that suffers from these scenarios of insecurity. It is not a budget problem, but one of uncertainty. We are here at this Boat Show precisely to unlock them, to convince them that the time has come to spend and return to believing in the beauty of one's life, which is one and must be lived.