ICE chief: Italian exports show resilience despite global uncertainty

Italy’s extra-EU foreign trade data for May 2025 reflects a still-unstable global environment, with exports falling 5.2% year-on-year, mainly dragged down by energy (-35.3%) and durable consumer goods (-9.7%), said ICE President Matteo Zoppas.

"Despite this, cumulative data from January to May 2025 remains slightly positive at +0.5%, confirming the resilience of Italian exports,” Zoppas noted. “Non-durable consumer goods, in particular, rose by 10.7% compared to the same period in 2024.”

The ICE chief added that recent tariff-related uncertainty had led to a more cautious approach from businesses but had so far had a limited impact. “Prolonged uncertainty, however, poses a significant risk and needs constant monitoring,” he warned.

Looking at specific markets, Italian exports to the United States rose by 2.5% in May 2025 compared to a year earlier, while sales to Switzerland increased by 9.2% and exports to ASEAN countries were up 4.4%.

“ICE continues to support Italian companies in their internationalization efforts, focusing on quality, innovation and a more targeted presence in high-potential markets identified in the export action plan launched by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani,” Zoppas concluded.