Italian exports are increasing year on year by 8.8% in value and 3.5% in volume. Foreign sales increased by 3.2% in the first four months of 2026, outpacing imports' 1.4% growth rate. The trade surplus increased to €15.2 billion from €11.3 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. These findings were presented at the 35th World Convention of Assocamerestero, the Association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad, which was co-organized by the Genoa Chamber of Commerce and Unioncamere. The message is clear: tariffs are in place, but their impact is not yet visible in aggregate data for Italian exports.
This positive development occurs in the context of a significant transformation in international commerce, which is characterized by the escalating number of border barriers and the expansion of fragmentation. The conference heard estimates that over 4,000 new restrictive measures were implemented in 2024, and a comparable number in 2025. This does not indicate a decrease in foreign trade, but rather an increasingly structured development across homogeneous areas, not just geographically but also politically and geopolitically. In this environment, the European Union's free trade agreements with over 80 nations, which seek to remove obstacles and tariffs, simplify procedures, and standardize technical standards, are becoming increasingly significant. In light of this, the conference underscored the necessity of diversifying while maintaining our commitment to strategic markets. The United States remains indispensable; however, regulatory uncertainty necessitates a more vigilant approach to risks. India continues to be a robust growth region for technology, digital, and joint ventures. Latin America, Africa, and the Gulf present opportunities for industrial partnerships, productive investments, and more integrated supply chains.