In the first quarter of 2025, Italy's export landscape presented a mixed picture, with significant regional disparities. According to data released by ISTAT, the national export value grew by 3.2% year-on-year, a figure that masks the varied performance across the country's regions. The Central and North-Eastern regions emerged as the leaders in export growth, with increases of 7.9% and 1.6%, respectively, while the North-West remained stable with a slight decline of 0.2%. In contrast, the South and Islands experienced declines of 2.2% and 9.7%, highlighting the ongoing challenges these areas face in maintaining industrial continuity and accessing foreign markets.
Leading the charge in export growth were the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Valle d'Aosta, and Toscana, with remarkable year-on-year increases. On the other end of the spectrum, Sardegna, Marche, Basilicata, Molise, and Puglia saw significant declines. This regional divergence underscores the uneven economic recovery and the need for targeted policies to address the structural weaknesses in the South and Islands.
Sector-wise, the pharmaceutical, chemical-medicinal, and botanical products sector stood out, contributing 2.6 percentage points to the national export growth. This was largely driven by exports from Toscana, Lazio, Lombardia, Campania, and Abruzzo. Additionally, the transport equipment sector (excluding motor vehicles) added 1.5 percentage points, thanks to strong performances in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, and Sicilia. However, the export figures were dampened by lower sales of refined petroleum products and motor vehicles, which had a negative impact of 1.3 percentage points.
The data also revealed interesting trends in trade relations, with exports to non-EU countries showing significant growth, particularly from regions like Abruzzo, which saw a 14.7% increase in exports to these markets. This shift suggests a diversification of trade partners and could signal a strategic realignment in Italy's export strategy amidst changing global trade dynamics. As Italy navigates these complex patterns, the focus will likely remain on bolstering the export sectors that show the most promise while addressing the regional disparities that threaten to undermine the country's overall economic performance.
Italian financial police in Catanzaro have executed a definitive confiscation order for assets valued at over €1.6 million from an individual connected to the Accorinti crime clan of Briatico. The seizure includes a land parcel with an overlying building and ownership shares in a local...
Significant advances in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, were highlighted at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress. New data from Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrate that antibody-drug conjugates...
Rimini has achieved a historic milestone by entering the top ten of Italy's most environmentally sustainable cities for the first time, securing eighth place in the 32nd edition of the Urban Ecosystem report by Legambiente and Ambiente Italia, published by Il Sole 24 Ore. The Romagna capital...
Makari 4, the fourth season of the popular Italian television series, premieres on Rai 1 on October 19, 2025, continuing the adventures of journalist-investigator Saverio Lamanna portrayed by Claudio Gioè. The new season maintains the signature blend of mystery and character-driven...
Archaeological research at the ancient Roman city of Pompei has revealed new evidence suggesting elite residents constructed private towers as symbols of power and wealth before the city's destruction in 79 AD. A collaborative study between the Pompei Archaeological Park and Berlin's Humboldt...
