Lombardy’s food exports to the world are at an all-time high: in 2017 they reached 7 billion euros, an increase of 16% compared to the previous year. This is what emerges from a survey by regional Coldiretti on Istat data on foreign trade in 2017. More than two thirds of sales (70%) concern European countries, with an increase of 8.3% compared to 2016. Lombardy’s food industry is growing mainly in Asia (+72%), where Japan is booming from 313 million euros in 2016 to over €700 million last year, an increase of 124%, and where China imported €70 million of Lombardy food products in 2017 compared to €58 million in 2016 (+20.7%). Overall, exports to Asia represent 17% of total Made in Lombardy food exports in the world.
Russia, Europe, and the rest of the world
Despite the embargo still in force, exports to Russia are increasing: €96 million in 2017 (+43%). In Europe, there was also a positive sign for Lombard food products in France with 881 million euro (+7%), in Germany with 700 million euro (+5%), and in the UK with 525 million euro (+2%). In the United States, still without duties, exports reached 538 million euros (+13%). Central and South America also grew, with 90 million euros (+11%). Exports still represent a fundamental card to trigger recovery. This is why we must avoid trade wars that risk having a dangerous effect on Italian economy and international relations says Ettore Prandini, President of Coldiretti Lombardia. It is also time to lift sanctions on Russia after four years of embargo. In 2017 there was in fact a growth in Lombardy food exports to Russia, but well below the potential of that market for Made in Italy products.