In the data released by Istat on foreign trade, Italian exports in 2013 are practically unchanged compared to last year, marking a contraction of 0,1%.
The dynamics of exports is positive towards non-EU countries (+1,3%) and down towards EU countries (-1,2%). The volumes traded with foreign countries are down both for sales (-1,2%) and for purchases (-3,7%).
Imports, on the other hand, recorded a sharp decline, down by 5,5%. For sales, this is the worst result since 2009 (raw data), when there was a drop of 20,9%.
In 2013, the trade surplus in Italy reached 30,4 billion, reaching the highest value since 1996. Net of energy products, the surplus is equal to almost 85 billion. In December 2013, the trade balance was +3,6 billion, an increase compared to December 2012 (+2,3 billion). Net of energy, assets amounted to 7,9 billion.
