The Italian yachting industry is in good health according to the latest presentation from Confindustria Nautica.
The positive trend is despite the uncertainties caused by US duties and the industry is also looking strong into the future, despite the escalating Middle East conflict.
The superyacht sector remains particularly strong, with the 15 to 24 metres segment also holding up well.
However, the small boats market is not so positive.
The report Boating in Figures Monitor – Market Trends 2025/2026 by the Study Office of Confindustria Nautica and Edison Foundation, and Geographies of the Italian Boating Industry 2026, edited by Symbola Foundation, shows that the marine industry generated more than 13 billion euros in added value and nearly 168,000 employees, with employment growth of 5.6% in 2024.
Adaptability and strategic vision
“In a global context characterised by significant economic and geopolitical changes, the Italian yachting industry continues to demonstrate solidity, adaptability and strategic vision,” said Piero Formenti president of Confindustria Nautica.
“The dynamics remain differentiated among segments: large yachting is growing, the mid-range is holding up, while small boating is more affected by consumer confidence currently mitigated by complex economic conditions.”
The superyacht sector closed 2025 with 50% of the companies recording an increase in turnover compared to the previous year and 25% reporting a stable market, explained Stefano Pagani Isnardi, director of the Studies Office of Confindustria Nautica.
Half of the shipyards have order books in line with levels seen 12 months ago, and a quarter of them have reported rising figures.
Complex trends in up to 24m segment
The situation for shipbuilding production up to 24 metres is more complex with the current survey showing more positive trends for the 2025/26 nautical year with the number of companies forecasting a growth in turnover rising from 23% to 46%.
This sector closed 2025 with negative forecasts for 62% of the sample and with stability for the remaining 38%.
Looking to the near future, the share of the sample forecasting negative estimates is 37%, while the share of those forecasting stability has grown to 50% and 13% of firms also forecast growth in turnover figures.
Accessories and equipment
For companies in the accessories and equipment sector, the estimates for the 2025/26 year are more positive, rising from 30% to 39%.
In relation to the marine engine sector, the percentage of those surveyed estimates a growth in turnover from 25% to 38%, with 50% of companies believing turnover will be stable.
The majority of leasing and rental companies report growth in turnover (57%), compared with 29% reporting a reduction from the previous year.
In relation to nautical tourism companies, ports and services, expectations for the current nautical year are positive, with 75% of companies estimating revenue growth.
Global exports of Italian shipbuilding production are the most significant element of the growth in recent years, with exports exceeding 4 billion euros in the period from November 2024 to October 2025, one of the best results ever.
