In 2023, Italian exports of goods reached €626 billion, maintaining stability compared to 2022. This balance was achieved despite a 5% drop in export volumes, counterbalanced by a 5.3% rise in export prices.
Italy, representing 2.2% of global GDP, boasts over 5% market penetration in at least five macro-categories, with peaks up to 10% in sectors such as wine. Exports of manufactured goods, which account for 95% of total exports, remained steady at €596 billion, showcasing resilience compared to the overall industrial turnover. Strong performances were noted in transport equipment (+10.5%), agri-food and beverages (+5.8%), and pharmaceuticals (+3%). Southern Italian companies saw a 3% rise in exports.
Since 2019, sales of Italian goods abroad have surged 30.4% from €480 billion, pre-dating the pandemic’s impact and the significant logistical cost increases caused by geopolitical tensions following the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. Compared to 2012, exports have grown by 60.5% from €390 billion.
These insights are from the Italian Trade Agency 2023-2024 report. “Export dynamics, a crucial factor in the post-pandemic recovery, faced challenges in 2023 due to the sharp slowdown in global trade and the loss of price competitiveness of Italian products, driven by the real appreciation of the euro,” the report notes.