Octagona Srl/Internationalization News/It's not a world for old men: fewer exporters but more exports
It's not a world for old men: fewer exporters but more exports

It's not a world for old men: fewer exporters but more exports

In summary
  • According to SACE and ICE reports, Italian exports have returned to pre-Covid levels and the value of Made in Italy has grown by 11%.
  • During the same period, the number of operators exporting has decreased by 8%: exports are growing by focusing on fewer companies.
  • Companies that export sporadically disappear, while those with solid positions and multi-year projects strengthen.
  • Companies with an export propensity of over 50% have strong and stable positions in international markets.
  • Three useful strategies: move quickly, build ongoing, multi-year projects, and rely on expert consultants, such as Octagona, which over 20 years has overseen more than 750 projects.

Michel Serres' famous novel speaks of a revolution in knowledge and its dislocation: the numbers in the SACE and ICE reports, reading them carefully, highlight a new reality that has already begun.

We are talking about how, despite the recovery of exports to pre-Covid levels and a 11% increase in the value of Made in Italy, operators dropped by 8%.

The causes of disappearance and new strategies

It becomes crucial, in this situation, to fully understand what it means to do exports and what the risks are without a truly solid strategy.

Today we can draw 5 important conclusions from the export numbers and trends:

- firms that already had a solid position;

- do export companies that have started multi-year projects;

- disappear the enterprises that make export occasionally;

- will expand the competitiveness gap between those who already do export and those who have yet to leave;

- enterprises with a export propensity that goes beyond 50% are those that have strong and stable positions in international markets.

International markets represent a great opportunity for Italian companies, and Made in Italy, even today, has immense value and potential. Before moving in the direction of internationalization or digital exporting, however, it will be most important to assess the trends already underway.

So here are 3 strategies to absolutely consider in order to start or consolidate your strength in exporting:

- Don't waste your time. If your enterprise is not yet exporting then be careful: the gap between those who are already in the market and those who have yet to enter is already wide, so do not hesitate. If, on the other hand, your enterprise is already exporting then work to quickly consolidate the position and thus raise the barriers to entry for future competitors

- Build continuous projects. Entering and consolidating in international markets requires building multi-year plans and making targeted investments. Those who start without a medium- to long-term strategy risk being ousted very soon.

- Rely on truly experienced consultants. Octagona in 20 years of operation has successfully followed more than 750 internationalization projects by supporting companies in overcoming obstacles and difficulties, thanks to its team's experience and acquired skills.

Do you want to export or reinvigorate your existing international plans? Then contact us, and we will study together the best solution for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why in Italy the value of exports is growing but the number of exporting companies is decreasing?

The value of exports is growing because the already solid companies are strengthening, while those who export occasionally leave the market. According to SACE and ICE reports, Made in Italy has increased by 11% compared to pre-Covid levels, while operators have decreased by 8%. Exports are therefore focused on fewer, more structured companies.

Which Italian companies risk exiting foreign markets according to SACE and ICE data?

Companies that export sporadically and without a medium- to long-term strategy are at risk of going out of business. SACE and ICE data show that companies with multi-year projects and already established positions remain in the markets. Those who start without continuous plans and targeted investments may soon be ousted by competitors.

What does it mean to have an export propensity above 50% for a SME?

This means that more than half of the company’s turnover depends on sales abroad, and according to the analyzed trends, these companies have strong and stable positions in international markets. They are among those that are strengthening the most, while the gap in competitiveness with those who have not yet started exporting is set to widen.

What strategies can a SME adopt to start or consolidate exports in an increasingly selective market?

There are three strategies: act immediately, build ongoing projects, and have expert consultants assist you. Those who do not export must enter the market before the gap with competitors grows. Those who already export must quickly consolidate their position to raise the barriers to entry. Multiannual plans and targeted investments are needed.

Is it still worth starting to export if the gap with companies already present abroad is wide?

Yes, Made in Italy still has immense value and potential, but we need to start without delay and with a solid strategy. The gap between those who already export and those who have to start is wide and is set to grow. Before embarking on internationalization or digital exports, the current trends must be evaluated.

How much experience does Octagona have in supporting the internationalization projects of companies?

In 20 years of activity, Octagona has successfully completed more than 750 internationalization projects. It has supported companies in overcoming the obstacles and difficulties of foreign markets thanks to the experience of its team and the skills acquired. The support is available to those who want to start exporting and to those who need to strengthen already started plans.

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