Italy Trade, Exports and Imports

Italian trade is dominated by automobiles and machinery. The country is challenged by mountainous terrain where cultivation of agriculture isn't possible. For the same reason, Italian trade depends on the manufacturing sector.

Around the world, Italy’s famous brands such as Armani, Valentino, Versace, Benetton, Prada, FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lamborghini have created a niche in the global marketplace where there is a demand for high quality and superior goods.

Italy Trade: Exports

The 2008 recession decreased Italy's global trade volumes significantly. Its export volumes decreased from $546.9 billion in 2008 to $369 billion in 2010. However, the country's economy remained relatively strong and ranked 8^th in the world for export volumes.
The main exported commodities include:

• Engineering products
  
• Textiles and clothing
  
• Production machinery
  
• Motor vehicles
  
• Transport equipment
  
• Chemicals
  
• Food
  
• Beverages and tobacco
  
• Minerals and nonferrous metals
  

Italy’s main export partners are:

• Germany
  
• France
  
• Spain
  
• US
  
• UK
  

Italy Trade: Imports

Italy's imports dipped as well following the 2008 recession. The figures dropped from $546.9 billion in 2008 to $358.7 billion in 2010.
Italy imports the following commodities:

• Engineering products
  
• Chemicals
  
• Transport equipment
  
• Energy products
  
• Minerals and nonferrous metals
  
• Textiles and clothing
  
• Food and Beverages
  
• Tobacco
  

Italy’s main imports partners are:

• Germany
  
• France
  
• China
  
• Netherlands
  
• Libya
  
• Russia
  

Italy Trade: Energy Export

Italy has a high volume of energy production in its industry sector. Italy exports 3.431 billion kWh of electricity and 667,100 bbl/day of oil and 210 million cu m of natural gas.  Through increased energy production, Italy’s trade balance has come down from $78.03 billion in 2008 to $55.44 billion in 2010.