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Export of services: the opportunities of a growing sector

Export of services: the opportunities of a growing sector

In summary
  • According to the SACE Export Report 2023, Italian exports grew by 6.8% in 2023, with a turnover exceeding 660 billion euros.
  • In 2023, Italian service exports are expected to grow by 2.6%, according to a SACE report prepared with Manageritalia.
  • In 2021, Italian services exports reached 26.2 billion euros, surpassing tourism; 51% of them went to EU countries.
  • The EU-South Korea trade agreement facilitates services, local sites and procurement tenders, including build-operate-transfer (BOT) concessions.
  • Telecommunications, transportation, construction, financial and professional services are the sectors most involved in facilitating services in South Korea.

Italian export is continuously growing and more and more companies are interested in pursuing internationalization.

The numbers speak for themselves: from the “Export Report 2023 | “The Future is Now, TOGETHER.” by SACE, it emerges that our country's exports will reach +6.8% in 2023, for a turnover of more than 660 billion euros. These are. decidedly interesting values, enshrining a positive development for our export, which is destined to increase over time.

And it is important to remember which When we talk about exports, we do not refer only to the transfer abroad of tangible assets, but also to that Of services.

Export by services, a constantly developing sector

Always According to a recent SACE report, carried out in cooperation with Manageritalia, it is expected that in 2023 the export services for Italy grow by 2.6%.

SYet it was affected by the recent pandemic, the service sector results increasingly important in international trade and, therefore, a possible opportunity for Italian companies that make services the focus of their business.

In fact, it is precisely services that identify themselves as an integral part of today's production processes, particularly those defined as “high-tech,” that is, those related to the areas of research and development, management and professional consulting, engineering and architecture.

Italian services exports reached 26.2 billion euros in 2021, again according to the SACE report, even surpassing tourism, which has always been the flagship of our economy.

But What are the target countries? The 51% is represented by nations in the European Union, outside these borders we find Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.

South Korea, a possible new frontier for exports as well by services

export services to South Korea

According to the World Trade Organization in the report “Services in Trade.” by 2022, the service sector will exponentially increase its weight in international trade. 

This trend is also due to technological innovations, which have made it easier to provide services abroad.

And when we talk about exports, there are countries with emerging economies that are increasingly emerging as possible interlocutors, including for our nation. South Korea is one of them, as well as the Vietnam.

Europe represents the second largest supplier of goods just for South Korea thanks also to the existence of a trade agreement that provides for the abolition of customs duties for most products (98.7%) and also less red tape for exports of pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and chemical goods (source European Commission).

Those who wish to sell their services in South Korea can also take advantage of certain advantages today: it becomes less complex to establish a connection in the country, not only to offer their services but also to set up an office, branch or subsidiary of their company.

Here are what are the the sectors most involved:

  • Telecommunications
  • Environmental services
  • Transport
  • Construction
  • Financial
  • Postal and express delivery
  • Business and professional services such as legal, accounting, engineering, and architectural services

Companies operating in these sectors have, by virtue of the trade agreement entered into, the opportunity to be treated as companies in the country and provide most of their services directly, without the need for subcontracting.

In addition, there are also more opportunities for those who want to bid for contracts in South Korea: in fact, EU companies can now bid for contracts called build-operate-transfer (BOT) (concession services) contracts.

This means that Italian companies can also compete in large infrastructure tenders, such as the construction of transportation networks and/or bid for their management.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the framework of these numerous facilities, which cover not only the export of goods but also the export of services, numerous opportunities arise for companies wishing to enter this market and selling in South Korea.

Octagona is by your side to identify the best strategies to expand your company's business beyond national borders, backed by the skills of its professionals.

In our team you will be able to find the figure of the  Temporary Export Manager, of Digital Expert and more able to come up with the best internationalization strategy that can really grow your business.

Contact us now, we will answer all your questions in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Italy’s service exports worth and how is it growing according to SACE?

In 2021, Italian service exports reached 26.2 billion euros, surpassing tourism, according to the SACE report. A SACE report prepared with Manageritalia forecasts a 2.6% growth for 2023. The sector has suffered from the pandemic, but it is becoming increasingly important in international trade.

What are the main countries of destination for Italian services exports?

51% of Italian services exports are directed to countries within the European Union. Outside the EU borders, the main destination markets are Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom and China. The data comes from SACE’s report on services exports and illustrates the situation in 2021.

Which Italian services are considered high-tech and why do they matter for exports?

High-tech services include research and development, managerial and professional consulting, engineering, and architecture. They are important because they are an integral part of today’s production processes. For Italian companies that base their business on services, they represent a real opportunity in international markets.

Why is South Korea interesting for those who want to export services?

South Korea is interesting because the trade agreement with the European Union simplifies the provision of services and the establishment of offices, branches or subsidiaries. EU companies in the involved sectors are treated as local companies and can provide most services directly, without subcontracting.

Which sectors of services can benefit from the EU-South Korea trade agreement?

The sectors involved are telecommunications, environmental services, transport, construction, financial services, postal and express delivery, and services to businesses and professionals, such as legal, accounting, engineering and architectural services. Companies in these sectors can operate with treatment equivalent to that of Korean companies.

Can Italian companies participate in public procurement tenders in South Korea?

Yes, EU companies, including Italian ones, can submit proposals for build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts, that is, concession services. This allows them to compete for large infrastructure tenders, such as the construction of transport networks, and to also apply to manage them.

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