Italian pasta conquers abroad. It is, along with pizza, synonymous of Italian food. The Italian pasta trade seems to be in contrast with the general economic downturn, and also is doing exceptionally well in US and so called Brics markets. In 2014, according to survey carried out by Aidepi, the Italian association of pasta and bakery manufacturers, 2 million tons of pasta ended up abroad, approximately 2 billions euros for Italy domestic trade balance. The first market is Germany with a quantity share of 18,7% and 360 mililon tons exported here. In the second place is France and United Kingdom, both with a quantity share of 14,1% and 278 million tons. Last year went up with particularly positive results for the sales to UK where export rate jumped up to 11% in the last 12 months. Going outside EU continent, the United States confirmed themselves as the main export destination, indeed they received 151 million tons of pasta shipped from Italy which is gaining quotas also in Japan, with a quantity share of 3,8%. These five countries are the big five, alone they account for 58% of Italian pasta export.
Yet, as reported by Aidepi data, the European Union absorbs 73%,1% of demand, going through the roof with a quantity share of 66% considering Eurozone only. The trend already emerged in the last years sees that in 2014 the quantity share in America is about 11,2% and in Asia 10,9% and these continents confirm themselves as marginal markets. Even if the registered rate growth is positive: Asia (4,1%), America (6,2%), Africa (2,8%) and finally Australia (1,4%). On the other hand, Brics countries, in particulars, are becoming affectionate Italian pasta lovers with China guiding (37,9%) followed by India (15,4%) and Russia (11,5%). Italy performance in the foreign markets currently accounts for over 57% of national production.