2024 proved to be a year of consolidation for Italian exports to non-EU markets, with a growth of 1,2% compared to the previous year, according to official data provided by Istat and Ice. Consumer goods played a leading role: durable goods recorded an increase of +14,8%, while non-durable goods recorded a +16,5%. The energy sector (+5,4%) and intermediate goods (+4,7%) also made a positive contribution.
Export 2024 to non-EU markets: the numbers
Looking at the whole year, Italian trade with non-EU countries maintained a positive trend, with an increase of 1,2%. The main growth drivers were consumer goods (+7,2%) and intermediate goods (+2,3%). However, the growth rate was more moderate compared to 2023. At a geographical level, particularly strong growth was recorded towards the ASEAN area (+39,9%) and the United Kingdom (+11,5%), followed by Turkey (+4,2%). On the other hand, exports to China (-6%), the USA (-3,7%) and OPEC countries (-1,6%) fell.
In particular, in the first nine months of 2024, the industrial districts of Southern Italy recorded an increase in exports of 1,7%, for a total of 7,3 billion euros. This figure is above the national average (+0,6%), highlighting the ability of the southern production system to adapt to the dynamics of international trade. The growth was driven in particular by the agri-food sector, with an increase of 4,7%. Among the most efficient sectors, fruit and vegetables from Bari, wines and beverages from Sicily, and canned food from Campania stand out.
And in the Tri-Veneto area?
The situation is different for the industrial districts of the Triveneto region, which in the third quarter of 2024 almost reached 10 billion euros in exports, but recorded a slight decrease of 1,3% compared to the same period in 2023. This figure differs from the national average, which instead saw a growth of 1,3%.
Despite the overall decline, some sectors showed signs of growth: Vicenza's goldsmithing, Trentino-Alto Adige's agri-food sector (+6,7%), the Trieste coffee district, which contributed positively to Friuli-Venezia Giulia's exports (721 million euros in the third quarter of 2024, +4,6% compared to 2023). We should also not forget the districts linked to the home system, such as household appliances, furniture and panels in Pordenone, and the Fashion system, which continued to grow thanks to demand from the Netherlands, France and South Africa.
Export 2024 and diversification of outlet markets
A relevant aspect that emerged in 2024 is the diversification of outlet markets:
- Central Asia and the Middle East – the Tri-Veneto districts have recorded significant increases in exports to countries such as Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia;
- East Asia and North America – growth in exports to Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and Canada, indicating a strategy of expansion towards non-European markets.
At the same time, a slowdown has been observed in traditional European markets, although with some positive exceptions. This diversification strategy is essential to maintain export competitiveness in an ever-changing geopolitical context.
