While considering the repercussions and responses to the duties imposed by the Trump administration, the “Action Plan for the’Italian Export“ presented by Minister Antonio Tajani in March already outlines an overall strategy for boosting Italian exports, which account for a significant component of national GDP. The goal is ambitious: to reach the 700 billion euros in exports by 2027, through targeted actions and strategic collaborations.
The plan focuses on high-potential non-EU markets, exploring the opportunities they can offer. Key sectors such as machinery, agribusiness, transportation equipment and chemicals are also identified.
The Foreign Ministry glimpses wide margins for growth, aiming to enhance the excellence of the Made in Italy and adapt to the specifics of target markets, particularly those with high growth rates.
Despite geopolitical complexities and challenges related to tariffs in the United States, 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 decline in imports and the reduction in the energy deficit.
In this context, the “Action Plan for Italian Export” presented at Villa Madama emphasizes the importance of diversifying export markets for Italian companies. The strategy calls for an increase of more than the 10% of exports to emerging countries., while trying to reduce the trade surplus with the United States through increased imports.
Strategy with Europe and the United States
The plan for the’Italian export focuses on the importance of strengthening the European market through de-bureaucratization, 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 States, Italy intends to maintain and strengthen economic relations, despite tensions over tariffs. The strategy includes agreements on gas and defense, and a dialogic approach to avoid a trade war. The country intends to take a Mediating role between the European Union and the United States., facilitating 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 the’Italian export focuses on high-potential emerging markets, as United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India and ASEAN countries, as well as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, already 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 and established markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada, which continue to represent areas of strategic interest. The goal is diversify to the maximumor exports, reducing dependence on individual markets and strengthening Italy's global presence.
For the plan of 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 To advanced mechanics, infrastructure and digital technologies. To capitalize on this dynamic market, characterized by a growing demand for high-quality goods and innovative technologies, actions such as entrepreneurial forums and business matching meetings are planned.
In the United Arab Emirates, initiatives focus on the Green technologies and on luxury goods. Agreements are underway for collaborations in the renewable energy and water treatment sectors as the UAE serves as the 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, opportunities are related to major events such as Expo Riyadh 2030 and the World Cup 2034. The focus is on renewable energy and infrastructure, in line with the country's heavy investment in projects of 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 economy, represents a significant opportunity for the‘Italian export.
Alessandro Fichera, CEO of Octagona Srl, welcomed the action plan for Italian exports presented by Minister Tajani, calling it “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 center of economic policy, emphasizes the importance of a Synergistic integration of Italy System tools (MAECI, ICE, SIMEST, SACE and CDP) to maximize the effectiveness of international promotion. With more than two decades of experience in the‘internationalization of enterprises Italian, Octagona thus confirms the importance of Strategically preside over high-potential markets.
The choice of focus on emerging countries, while consolidating presence in mature markets, appears consistent with the growth directions of the Made in Italy.
It is important to emphasize the dual strategy of the export plan: consolidation in mature markets, such as the United States, and competitive positioning in emerging markets, such as India. The US remains crucial for Made in Italy, and produce directly on U.S. soil can overcome tariff and logistical barriers, benefiting from local incentives and circumventing the impact of tariffs. 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 tools provide a favorable framework for structuring corporate presence and seizing the opportunities of a rapidly changing economy, including cost reduction and duty-free access to the domestic market.
Of the export plan, the strengthening of the Business matching actions and the generation of qualified contacts, such as the OpportunItalia program, essential for building strong business relationships and in-depth knowledge of target markets.
Initiatives of this kind promote 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 meet and win the challenges of international trade.
We illustrated how the “Italian Export Action Plan” 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 of international tensions and U.S. tariffs. Synergistic collaboration between government, agencies and businesses is essential for achieving the set goals and consolidating Italy's role as a leader in global exporte. 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 toward a greener and more inclusive economy.
Octagona, a leading company in the internationalization strategies for Italian companies, is ready to support companies on their path to growth in international markets. We offer customized support for entering new markets, optimizing business operations, and adapting to local regulations. Contact us to find out how we can support you in the global expansion of your business effectively and sustainably.
The Action Plan for Italian Exports, presented at Villa Madama by Minister Antonio Tajani, aims to reach 700 billion euros in exports by 2027. To achieve this, it envisages diversifying markets, with a focus on high-potential non-EU countries and key sectors such as machinery, agro-food, transport, and chemicals.
The priority emerging markets are the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India, ASEAN countries, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Turkey and Saudi Arabia have already registered growth in Italian exports of 23.9% and 27.9% respectively. The plan envisages an increase of over 10% in exports to emerging countries, without neglecting the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.
Italy aims to maintain and strengthen economic relations with the United States through dialogue, avoiding a trade war. The strategy includes agreements on gas and defense, a role of mediation between the European Union and the United States, and greater imports to reduce the trade surplus. Producing directly in the United States can also overcome tariff and logistical barriers.
For India, a joint action plan on advanced machinery and green technologies is planned, with SIMEST as the headquarters, bilateral business forums and dedicated funds. In the United Arab Emirates, emphasis is placed on green technologies, luxury, renewable energy and water treatment. In Saudi Arabia, opportunities are linked to Expo Riad 2030, the 2034 World Cup, renewable energy and infrastructure.
The Sistema Italia integrates MAECI, ICE, SIMEST, SACE and CDP to support the international promotion of companies. The plan also strengthens business matching and the generation of qualified contacts, as in the OpportunItalia program. According to Octagona, these financial, logistical and informational tools must be truly accessible and consistent with the operational needs of companies.
Octagona, with over twenty years of experience in internationalization, offers personalized support to Italian companies for entry into new markets, the optimization of business operations, and adaptation to local regulations. The goal is to accompany companies in an effective and sustainable global expansion, in line with the guidelines of the Export Action Plan.
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