Italian Export Trends 2019-22: Strategies for the SMEs

The “Sace Simest Report 2019”, one of the most comprehensive reports about Italian export trends, highlights the high potential markets, the key industries, and the macroeconomic and geopolitical factors impacting Italian exporters.

The export sector is one of the driving forces of the Italian economy, as confirmed by the positive results registered in 2019. However, according to the latest “Sace Simest Report,” it is crucial that companies carefully choose their export markets and evaluate the risks associated with the current macroeconomic trends. The protectionist policies in place in the US, the trade war between the US and China, and Brexit related uncertainties are largely affecting Italian exports. The economic crises in Argentina, the riots in Hong Kong, and Latin American countries and, last but not least, the tensions in the Middle East also seems to have an impact.

Where to export

According to the Report, high potential markets for the Italian export sectors for the years 2020-22 are China, India, Vietnam, Qatar, and Indonesia.

Sace expects an increase of about 7% of the export flows to Vietnam, China, and India. The forecasts for Indonesia (+5.3%), Kenya, Qatar, and South Africa are also positive.

Brazil, India, and the Emirates also have potential, but they require a highly targeted approach. In these countries, growth is supported by industrial upgrades, infrastructure improvement, and urban development programs, which demonstrate greater openness to foreign partnerships. According to the report, in 2022, Italy will gain 2.5 billion euros from additional exports towards these countries compared to 2018. The report provides fact sheets and insights, with case studies and testimonials from companies and practical advice for SMEs.

Key export sectors

The agrifood sector (+ 3.8%) is the lion’s share of Italian exports, followed by semi-finished products (+ 3.6%), consumer goods (+ 3.4%) and investment goods (+3.1%) The report provides data on the expected trends for specific export activities in existing and potential markets.

The report analyzes the insights in two different scenarios: the first is the “trade war” scenario, which foresees a slowdown in China and emerging economies, the second expects the uncertainties related to Brexit, that would have an impact on the demand of Made in Italy products in advanced economies.

Among the other drivers identified, the increase in urbanization rates in Asian and African countries in the coming years may translate into new opportunities for Italian companies exporting machinery, machinery parts, electrical appliances, metals, chemical and pharmaceutical products, food and drinks, textiles and clothing.

“Italian exports have always coped with adverse situations and complexities, and this phase is no exception,” explains Beniamino Quintieri, president of Sace.

The real strength of Made in Italy is the high quality of its products, and Quinteri is sure that even at this particular juncture, it will distinguish itself in the global marketplace.

To learn more, you can order the report (in Italian and English) here.

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