The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, chaired a coordination meeting today at the Farnesina to prepare an action plan aimed at boosting exports to high-potential emerging markets for the Italian production system. The objective is to enhance the presence of Italian companies in a number of economies, including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, Algeria, Vietnam, and Serbia.
Market diversification is a crucial step in Italy’s internationalisation strategy, particularly in light of the growing geopolitical challenges of our time. The plan is based on a programme of targeted initiatives, including economic forums and sector-specific business missions, which will serve as an additional lever to expand Italy’s footprint in these markets.
ISTAT data shows that Italian exports remain resilient despite a highly complex global scenario. The slight decline in export value – down to €623.5 billion – reflects the slowdown of the European economy and the broader international context. However, Italy’s trade surplus has surged by 61%, reaching nearly €55 billion. Exports to non-EU markets hit a record €305 billion in 2024.
At the EU level, Italy is advocating for a more competitive European trade policy, one that supports market diversification and strengthens value chains, while safeguarding Italian supply chains.
Today’s meeting brought together key Sistema Italia partners (ITA, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, SACE, and SIMEST), as well as ambassadors from over 30 priority countries and other strategically important markets for Italian exports, accompanied by the directors of local ITA offices.
The meeting follows the one chaired by Minister Tajani in late January with leading trade associations, where discussions focused on EU-US trade relations and the potential impact of tariffs on Italian exports.
