Italy is confirmed as leader in exports, with an encouraging performance despite the global slowdown and persistent geopolitical uncertainties. Exports have grown in fact of the 3.5% On a monthly basis, exceeding the increase in imports (+1.7%) and bringing attention to the strategic importance of foreign trade for the national economy.
We see, in detail, the data that emerged from the last report Istatwhich refers to February 2025.
How the exports of Italy change
Istat analysis highlights an interesting change in the center of gravity of Italian sales abroad. If the United States records a drop of 9.6%, as well as Belgium (-11.8%), Turkey (-9.9%) and Austria (-9.0%), other European markets compensate abundantly and are Train Italian exportssince the major applicants of Made in Italy products. In particular, exports have increased in:
- Spain by +21.1%;
- Switzerland of +17.3%;
- Netherlands of +13.3%;
- Germany of +14.5%;
- United Kingdom of +10.4%;
- OPEC countries (Algeria, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar and Venezuela) of +12.9%.
This means that Europe, especially the central-western one, returns to being a Fundamental pillar for exports. The demand for Italian products is strong above all in neighboring countries, where probably the geographical proximity, consolidated logistics chains and a certain regulatory alignment favor exchanges.
What are the most purchased Made in Italy products
The beating heart of Italian export is no longer just the traditional manufacturing. In fact, the articles are drawn abroad pharmaceuticalschemical-medicinal and botanical, which grow by 31.2% in February on an annual basis (even +32.3% in the first two months of the year). It is an important signal: the health sector becomes a asset competitiveand no longer just a defensive sector.
In second place are the means of transport Excluding vehicles, with an increase of 9.6%. These data could reflect the success of ships, planes, and Italian railway components. The agri -food sector is also good, which with a +4.9% in the first two months of the year is confirmed among the most stable excellences of our exports.
The sectors in trouble: cars, oil and machinery
However, there is no shortage of negative notes. The exports of motor vehicles descend by -11.5% in February and -13.7% in the first two months of 2025, reporting a structural difficulty in the sector, linked to the ecological transition and high international competitiveness.
Worse do i refined oil products (-25.8%) and NCA machinery (-4.1%), historically strong sectors but today penalized by the drop in foreign demand and by global technological changes.
A positive balance, but with shadows on energy
However, the commercial balance remains in surplus: +4,466 billion in Februaryalbeit falling compared to +6 billion in 2024. The energy deficit weighs, which reaches -5 billion, growing compared to the previous year. The dynamics of import prices, uphill of 2.2% per year, further aggravates the energy scale.
This means that, in an unstable economic context, Italy demonstrates adaptation capacity, focusing on sectors with high added value such as pharmaceutical and food. European markets, especially Germany And Spainconfirmed privileged partners, while exports to the United States and some emerging economies slows down.
Made in Italy changes skin: less dependent on traditional sectors It is increasingly oriented towards innovation, sustainability and well -being. The future of exports passes through here.
