Italy’s export credit agency SACE has €27 billion in outstanding commitments in the United States, making America its largest foreign market and a key destination for Italian industrial exports and investment.
Why it matters: The figures highlight the depth of Italy-US economic ties as Italian companies look to expand their presence in high-value sectors, from advanced manufacturing and robotics to aerospace and strategic technologies.
The numbers:
- €27 billion in SACE’s US portfolio, including insured transactions and guaranteed investments.
- €70 billion in Italian exports to the US in 2025, making America Italy’s second-largest export market after Germany.
- +3.7% growth in Italian exports to the US during the first eight months of 2026.
- +3.3% projected average annual export growth in 2027–2028, according to SACE.
Driving the news: SACE Chairman Guglielmo Picchi and CEO Michele Pignotti are wrapping up a business mission to New York and Washington, featuring more than 20 bilateral meetings with US and Italian financial institutions, corporate executives and institutional representatives.
- The mission aims to unlock new commercial opportunities, facilitate Italian companies’ access to the US market and attract investment into Italy.
- SACE also participated in the launch of the U.S.–Italy Trusted Tech Accelerator at the Italian Embassy in Washington, an initiative involving the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University and the Transatlantic Harmonic Foundation.
- The accelerator targets cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, energy and digital infrastructure.
The big picture: SACE’s US exposure reflects the growing integration of Italian industrial supply chains into major American projects, particularly in cruise shipbuilding, infrastructure and the electrical industry.
- New opportunities are emerging in industrial digitalization, smart manufacturing and advanced technologies, where Italian companies can leverage specialized expertise and competitive manufacturing capabilities.
- The agency’s financial support also helps connect Italian small and medium-sized enterprises to larger international projects.
What else: In New York, SACE signed an agreement with publishing group SAE to support the La Stampa USAinitiative, promoting Italian business excellence and transatlantic commercial opportunities through dedicated editorial content.
What’s next: The mission concludes on October 17 at the 51st National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Anniversary Gala in Washington.
- Picchi will also attend an AmCham Italy executive breakfast focused on the future of the transatlantic partnership.
- Pignotti will participate in the presentation of La Stampa USA during the NIAF program.
The bottom line: With €27 billion in commitments and a positive export outlook, SACE is positioning itself as a financial bridge between Italian industrial capabilities and American demand for advanced technologies and infrastructure.
