Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Imports and exports in Italy - statistics & facts
The excellence of "Made in Italy" products in sectors such as mechanics and shipbuilding, fashion, and food is highly recognized internationally, stimulating demand for Italian products abroad. In 2024, the country recorded a trade surplus of nearly 55 billion euros, meaning that Italy exported more than what it imported in the same year. In recent years, Italy's exports have steadily increased, reaching over 717 billion euros in 2024. More than half of Italian products are exported to other EU countries, although new trading partners are quickly emerging, especially in East Asia and the Middle East.
"Made in Italy" leads Italian exports
The quality of Italian handicraft is well known worldwide and increases the demand for "Made in Italy" products. The food industry plays a crucial role, too. Italy exports the largest share of wine, pasta, and apples globally. As far as imports, products of mining and quarrying are Italy's most demanded goods, shortly ahead of transportation equipment and textiles.
Italy is a mainly export-driven economy, as exports account for roughly one third of the country's GDP. This can be beneficial for the national economic system as it stimulates industrial production even with low domestic demand. However, heavy reliance on exports could overexpose the country to economic setbacks if buyers cut demand for foreign goods in the face of domestic crises or protectionist policies. Italian exports strongly suffered from the contraction of international trade due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent geopolitical tensions across the world.
Germany's grip and the pull of new markets
Besides a consolidated trading partnership with Germany, new partners outside the European economic space are emerging. The Federal Republic firmly remains Italy's main trading partner. Italy purchased goods worth roughly 88 billion euros from Germany in 2023, while exports to Germany totaled nearly 71 billion euros in 2024. The United States is Italy's second-largest buyer, acquiring Italian goods worth around 65 billion euros in 2024, ahead of France and Spain.
However, Italian exports are expanding faster in new markets outside Europe and the U.S. Compared to 2022, exports to China jumped by 17 percent in 2023, and those to Mexico and UAE increased by around eleven percent. On the contrary, exports to the U.S. only grew by three percent, while decreasing by almost four percent with Germany. Also, China is Italy's second-largest supplier. While the trading partnership with Germany remains fundamental for Italian economic policy, the rapidly extending trade with new Asian buyers could open new investment opportunities and strengthen the global recognition of "Made in Italy" products.
