Export at +45%, the Made in Italy conquers the world
2024 marks a record year for Italian agri-food exports, with extra virgin olive oil at the top of the list of products most in demand abroad. According to the Istat data compiled by Coldiretti, exports of green gold have recorded an incredible growth of +45%, far surpassing salami (+10%) and cheeses and dairy products (+9%). However, in absolute terms, wine continues to dominate the international market with a turnover of almost 8.1 billion euros.
Record agri-food exports: 69 billion euros in 2024
The Italian agri-food sector has closed 2024 with a new record: exports have reached the historic figure of 69.1 billion euros, confirming Made in Italy as a synonym for excellence and quality in the world. The fruit and vegetables (+6%) and pasta (+5%) are among the booming sectors, while the cheese market is growing at double digits in Japan (+14% by volume and +11% by value).
In terms of turnover, wine remains the top product with EUR 8.1 billion, followed by fresh fruit and vegetables (EUR 6.5 billion), processed fruit and vegetables (EUR 5.7 billion), cheese (EUR 5.4 billion), pasta (EUR 4.3 billion), olive oil (EUR 2.5 billion), cold meats (EUR 2.3 billion) and fish (1 billion).
Target 100 billion, but US tariffs threaten growth
According to Coldiretti, the positive trend of exports could lead Italy to reach 100 billion by 2030. . An ambitious but possible goal, if it were not for the threat posed by US tariffs. If the United States were to impose a 25% tax on Made in Italy products, sales in the second largest market for Italian food would suffer a sharp slowdown.
The increase for US consumers would be around €2 billion, with particularly significant increases for wine (+500 million), olive oil (+240 million), pasta (+170 million) and cheese (+120 million).
Italian agri-food exports continue to shine, but in order to consolidate this growth it will be essential to protect Made in Italy on international markets and avoid new trade barriers.
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