Italy's trade surplus rises to EUR 4.2B in November

Italy's trade surplus increased to EUR 4.218 billion in November 2024, up from EUR 3.884 billion in the same month last year.

Italy's trade surplus rises to EUR 4.2B in November

However, it fell short of market expectations, which had anticipated a surplus of EUR 4.5 billion. Exports declined by 2.7% year-on-year, reaching EUR 53.753 billion. The drop in exports was primarily driven by lower sales of capital goods (-9.9%), intermediate goods (-2.9%), and energy (-2.1%). Among Italy's major trading partners, exports to Germany fell by 7.5%, France by 4.5%, and the US by 11%. On the other hand, imports saw a more significant decrease, falling by 3.2% to EUR 49.534 billion. This decline was primarily attributed to reductions in purchases of intermediate goods (-6.4%), capital goods (-7.9%), and energy (-18.5%).

Italy's trade balance positive despite import declines

Imports from Germany decreased by 7.7%, France by 1.6%, and the Netherlands by 1.5%. Despite the overall drop in exports and imports, Italy's trade balance was positive. However, it reflected ongoing challenges in global trade dynamics, particularly with key European and American partners.