ROME — The pace accelerated sharply in June, when exports rose 9.8% year-on-year. Export volumes also increased, climbing 5.1% compared with June 2025.
The figures give the Italian government fresh backing for its push to help companies expand abroad and diversify their export markets.
Why it matters: Italy recorded a €24.5 billion trade surplus in the first six months of the year, with exports exceeding imports.
- The increase was not limited to export values: volumes also grew in June.
- The government sees the figures as evidence that its export diversification strategy, including overseas missions and business forums, is producing results.
- The next step comes on Oct. 6 in Rome, when the government will bring together companies from central Italy for its “Obiettivo Export” initiative.
The big picture: Italia vice PM and FM Antonio Tajani directly linked the export performance to the internationalization strategy pursued by the Foreign Ministry.
- “The diversification strategy and the Foreign Ministry’s export action plan are working,” Tajani said. “Our strategic missions and business forums with the countries of greatest interest are bearing fruit.”
- That is the government’s reading of the numbers: Italy is using its diplomatic network and public institutions to help companies find more opportunities in international markets.
Zoom in: Italian companies. The next test will come with “Obiettivo Export,” scheduled for Oct. 6 in Rome and focused on companies from central Italy.
- According to Tajani, the event will bring businesses together with embassies, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), export credit agency SACE, state lender CDP, SIMEST and Unioncamere.
- The aim is to give companies greater access to information about available tools, opportunities and markets — and stronger institutional support as they expand abroad.
- “We want to take Made in Italy increasingly around the world and ensure that companies no longer feel alone abroad,” Tajani said.
The bottom line: For Rome, the 4.5% increase in first-half exports strengthens the case for its diversification and internationalization strategy.
- For Italian companies, the question is how far that government-backed push can translate into additional commercial opportunities overseas.
