While the repercussions and responses to the duties imposed by the Trump administration are being assessed, the "Action Plan for theItalian Export“ presented by Minister Antonio Tajani in March already outlines an overall strategy for boosting Italian exportswhich represent a significant component of the national GDP. The goal is ambitious: to reach the 700 billion euro export by 2027through targeted actions and strategic partnerships.
The plan focuses on high-potential non-EU marketsexploring the opportunities they can offer. Key sectors such as machinery, agribusiness, transport equipment and chemicals are also identified.
The Foreign Ministry sees wide margins for growthaiming to enhance the excellence of the Made in Italy and adapt to the specificities of the target markets, especially those characterised by high growth rates.
Despite geopolitical complexities and challenges related to tariffs in the US, L'Italian export recorded positive results in markets such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with growths of 23.9% and 27.9% respectively.
It should be noted that in 2024 Italian exports reached a record high to non-EU countries (Source: Istat). The trade surplus increased significantly, thanks to the drop in imports and the reduction of the energy deficit.
In this context, the 'Action Plan for Italian Exports' presented at Villa Madama emphasises the importance of diversifying export markets for Italian companies. The strategy envisages an increase of over 10% of exports to emerging countrieswhile trying to reduce the trade surplus with the US through increased imports.
The plan for theItalian export focuses on the importance of strengthening the European market through de-bureaucratisation, industrial policy and private investment. It aims to stimulate a proactive role of the ECB and expand the network of free trade agreements.
With the United StatesItaly intends to maintain and strengthening economic relationsdespite tensions over tariffs. The strategy includes agreements on gas and defence, and a dialogue approach to avoid a trade war. The country intends to take a mediating role between the European Union and the United Statesfacilitating a constructive dialogue aimed at finding solutions that protect the interests of both sides, with particular attention to the impact on exports.
The plan for theItalian export focuses on high-potential emerging markets, such as United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India and ASEAN countries, as well as Türkiye and Saudi Arabiaalready mentioned. These markets offer significant opportunities for strategic Italian sectors such as machinery, textiles, agribusiness and green technologies.
At the same time, the plan does not neglect mature, established markets such as the UK, Japan and Canadawhich continue to represent areas of strategic interest. The objective is diversify to the maximumor exports, reducing dependence on individual markets and strengthening Italy's global presence.
For the Italian export, it is crucial to adopt targeted strategies for each emerging market, taking advantage of the specific opportunities they offer.
In Turkey, the focus is on advanced mechanics, infrastructure and digital technologies. To capitalise on this dynamic marketcharacterised by a growing demand for high-quality goods and innovative technologies, actions such as business forums and business matching meetings are planned.
In the United Arab Emirates, initiatives focus on the green technologies and luxury goods. Agreements are in place for collaborations in the renewable energy and water treatment sectors, as the UAE acts as a strategic business hub for the entire MENA region.
In Mexico, priority areas include transport and sustainable mobility. Negotiations are underway to revise the EU-Mexico Global Agreement, as Mexico represents a crucial gateway for Latin America.
For Saudi Arabia, the opportunities are related to major events such as Expo Riyadh 2030 and the World Cup 2034. The focus is on renewable energy and infrastructurein line with the country's heavy investment in urban and infrastructure development.
Finally, in India, a joint action plan was developed to strengthen the economic partnership, with a focus on advanced mechanics and green technologies. India, with its fast-growing economyrepresents a significant opportunity for theItalian exports.
Alessandro Fichera, CEO of Octagona Srl, welcomed the action plan for Italian exports presented by Minister Tajani, describing it as 'a concrete and encouraging sign of the government's commitment to boosting the international competitiveness of the national production system.'
The appreciated strategic approach, which places exports at the centre of economic policy, emphasises the importance of an Synergistic integration of Italy System instruments (MAECI, ICE, SIMEST, SACE and CDP) to maximise the effectiveness of international promotion. With over twenty years of experience ininternationalisation of enterprises ItalianOctagona thus confirms the importance of strategically preside over high-potential markets.
The choice of focus on emerging countrieswhile consolidating its presence in mature markets, is consistent with the growth directions of the Made in Italy.
It is important to emphasise the dual strategy of the export plan: consolidation in mature markets, such as the US, and competitive positioning in emerging markets, such as India. The USA remains crucial for Made in Italy, and produce directly on US soil can overcome tariff and logistical barriers, benefiting from local incentives and circumventing the impact of duties. India, on the other hand, represents a long-term strategic bet, with significant potential for expansion in sectors where Italy has a competitive advantage. To support Italian companies in the country, the plan includes concrete measures: creation of a SIMEST headquarters, bilateral business forums and dedicated funds. These instruments provide a favourable framework for structuring corporate presence and seizing the opportunities of a rapidly changing economy, including cost reduction and duty-free access to the internal market.
Of the export plan, the strengthening of the business matching actions and the generation of qualified contactssuch as the OpportunItalia programme, which are essential for building strong business relationships and in-depth knowledge of the target markets.
Initiatives of this kind encourage the matching of supply and demand, facilitating access to new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Finally, the crucial importance of effective implementation of the export plan is reiterated, ensuring that the business support tools - financial, logistical and information - are actually accessible and consistent with the real operational needs of companies. Only in this way will it be possible to translate political ambition into tangible and sustainable economic results, contributing to a more competitive and integrated 'Made in Italy' in global markets, ready to take up and win the challenges of international trade.
We illustrated how the 'Action Plan for Italian Exports' represents a integrated and strategic approach for the strengthening of Italian exports, focusing on market diversification and the use of innovative promotion tools. This is particularly relevant in the current geopolitical context, characterised by international tensions and US tariffs. Synergistic collaboration between government, agencies and businesses is essential to achieve the set objectives and to consolidate Italy's role as a leader in global exportse. In fact, the plan not only aims to increase the volume of exports, but also to improve their quality and sustainability, in line with global trends towards a greener and more inclusive economy.
Octagona, a leading company in the internationalization strategies for Italian companiesis ready to support companies on their path to growth in international markets. We offer customised support for entering new markets, optimising business operations and adapting to local regulations. Contact us to find out how we can support you in the global expansion of your business in an effective and sustainable way.
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