Italian exports continue to increase, but the differences between the various regions are substantial. According to Istat data released today, Friday 11 September, in the first half of the year national exports increased by 4.5% compared to the same period in 2025. They have in fact exceeded 337 billion euros.
The growth was driven by some regions in the South and Center, while others recorded a negative sign. Below are some details to understand who runs the fastest and who falls behind. We have thus generated a decidedly interesting ranking.
How did Italian exports fare?
The picture is clearly positive, considering how in the second quarter of 2026 alone, exports grew in all areas except the Center (-1.6%). The South and Islands lead the way (+6.5%), with the North-East following (+3.1%) together with the North-West (+2.9%).
Over the entire semester, however, the photograph changes considerably. It is clear that the Center is driving growth (+11.9%), with the Islands just behind (+8.8%). The North-East, on the other hand, is struggling (+1.9%). It is clear, therefore, how the geography of Italian exports is moving and today the South is aiming for a leading role.
The ranking of regions by growth
Here is the complete ranking of the regions based on the change in exports in the first half of 2026:
- 1. Basilicata: +29.5%
- 2. Tuscany: +23.8%
- 3. Puglia: +15.2%
- 4. Sardinia: +11.6%
- 5. Brands: +9.2%
- 6. Liguria: +8.3%
- 7. Abruzzo: +8.3%
- 8. Sicily: +7.4%
- 9. Piedmont: +6.0%
- 10. Calabria: +5.4%
- 11. Veneto: +4.1%
- 12. Lombardy: +3.5%
- 13. Emilia-Romagna: +3.0%
- 14. Molise: +2.2%
- 15. Umbria: +0.6%
- 16. Bolzano: 0.0%
- 17. Trento: -1.0%
- 18. Campania: -4.6%
- 19. Valle d’Aosta: -5.7%
- 20. Lazio: -6.8%
- 21. Friuli-Venezia Giulia: -9.6%
At the top of the ranking are Basilicata and Tuscany, which present double-digit increases, well above the national average. The Tuscan rush is mainly linked to metals and pharmaceutical products, with a leap in sales towards markets such as:
- Swiss;
- China;
- United States.
The South also performed well, with Puglia and Sardinia above 10%. At the bottom of the ranking, however, is Friuli-Venezia Giulia, followed by Lazio, Valle d’Aosta and Campania. These regions have in fact seen a reduction in sales abroad. Also significantly penalized by the decline in some markets such as Türkiye and Spain.
The framework for macro-areas
Looking at the absolute values for large areas, in the first six months of 2026 the North-West remains the leading exporter with 123.6 billion euros (+4.3%), ahead of the North-East with 101.6 billion (+1.9%). The Center follows with 72.4 billion, growing strongly (+11.9%), then the South with 24.8 billion (+3.8%) and the Islands with 10.3 billion (+8.8%). Numbers that confirm the weight of the North in the export economy, but also the growing push of the Center and the Islands. The next Istat update is expected on 11 December 2026.
