Not only tariffs: new export uncertainties

"Gas is growing at double-digit rates," explains Confindustria's Vice-President for Internationalisation Barbara Cimmino, "and crude oil could reach 100 dollars a barrel: these are all concerns that concern companies. This is why, in the light of the escalation, it is important that a partnership is created between industry, the Italia government and Brussels, to make the cost of energy a top priority in this time of crisis'.

Also weighing in is the uncertainty over the new tariffs rates after the Supreme Court's stop. 'The agreement that the EU was finalising with the 15% rate,' Cimmino explains, 'provided for 1047 'exempt' products for Europe, while now the list includes 1600 for the whole world, but we still do not know which ones. It is not even clear whether the additional tax rate will be 10 or 15 per cent and this also makes trade negotiations more complicated'.

A complex phase, that facing companies, with economic sectors already tested by the long period of uncertainty generated by Trump's tariffs.

"In the balance sheets of our companies," explains the president of Confindustria Nautica, Fabio Planamente, "orders from the United States were partly lacking last year. The issue is not so much the absolute level of tariffs as the ongoing uncertainty, which is still continuing, about their level, a risk that holds back customers and the finalisation of orders"

"The US market for our companies has held up,' explains Confindustria Accessori Moda vice-president Claudia Sequi, 'but now the picture, after the Supreme Court decision, is even more confusing, with potential tariffs for us at 8-10% on which a further 10-15% could be grafted. And to this must be added the fall of the dollar, which pushes our customers to ask for discounts of 20-25%, which are difficult for us to manage'.

"I am just back from a series of meetings in the Middle East and the opening of a shop in Cyprus,' explains Edilegno-Arredo president Andrea Bazzichetto, 'and as you can imagine, the mood is not the best. However, I believe that in perspective, when the situation, hopefully soon, will have stabilised, the margins for Made in Italy will be significant. In my company, a SME with ten million in revenues, we export to over 60 countries and about 30 of these have been added in recent years'.

However, in the face of continuing crises, wars and trade barriers, businesses note with satisfaction the EU's acceleration on the free trade agreement front, with India and with the Mercosur area

"This gives us new energy," explains Confindustria Moda vice-president Michele Bocchese, "at a time of great complexity after the post-Covid rebound. However, I am confident: if this crisis should be resolved quickly, there is room for growth that Made in Italy in the world can exploit. What is certain is that in this phase the dominant element is uncertainty, a factor that hinders any prospect of recovery'.

'Mercosur has many affinities with Italia in terms of culture and food habits,' explains Federalimentare's head of internationalisation Massimiliano Boccardelli, 'and in view of the 400 million in sales that we realise, we think that thanks to the lowering of tariffs, in some cases to 100% and more, we can achieve a doubling of our exports to the area

Quality Italian exports, defined as 'Bello e Ben Fatto' (Beautiful and Well Made), exceed, as anticipated, 170 billion euro and are confirmed as the strategic lever for the country's growth, according to the 13th report of the Confindustria Study Centre. The study, presented at Fashion Week in São Paulo and carried out in collaboration with SACE and with the support of ANFAO, Confindustria Accessori Moda, Confindustria Nautica, Federalimentare and FederlegnoArredo, highlights an additional export potential of 27.6 billion euros and defines Latin America as the new commercial frontier, driven by the EU-Mercosur agreement and an average annual growth rate of 10%.

"To enhance the value of Made in Italy," adds Barbara Cimmino, "we need a multi-level strategy: strengthening trade agreements, protecting our brands, and accompanying companies in technological and sustainable innovation to strengthen their production capacity. Today, free trade agreements are an essential strategic lever for the competitiveness of Italian industry, they open access to strategic markets, strengthen the Italian presence, and help balance crucial geopolitical dynamics. In this sense, the agreement with Mercosur and the closing of negotiations with India represent fundamental steps. Only in this way can we transform global opportunities into concrete and lasting growth, consolidating the Italian reputation as a synonym of quality, creativity and trust. The BBF is our identity card in the world, and it is on its assets that our country's growth potential is played out'.

the choice of our territory as the venue for the first Italian presentation of the 'Exporting the Dolce Vita' report is a source of satisfaction for us," commented Fabia Romagnoli, president of Confindustria Toscana Nord. "The industry of Lucca, Pistoia and Prato has a strong vocation for exports and is representative of that Italia that recognises and identifies with 'Beautiful and Well Made'. Fashion, mechanics, paper, chemistry, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, stone, shipbuilding, and furniture are the main sectors in our territory: true excellence, with international-level summits. The Confindustria report does not merely describe what exists, but also indicates a route for the future. A route that it is essential to chart because the strength of Made in Italy cannot be taken for granted: exports will continue to be the backbone of the national economy as long as companies are able to compete effectively in international markets. Europe and our country are called upon to do everything in their power to enable them to express their full potential'.

The Report underlines how expansion into emerging and mature markets, combined with the technology push and the use of digital platforms, can generate new opportunities for industrial collaboration, joint investments and shared innovation and sustainability projects. The BBF thus remains a strategic lever for building more integrated value chains and strengthening Italy's presence in the new global trade routes.

Today, the BBF can count on more than 1.2 billion affluent or very wealthy consumers, ready to appreciate quality Italian products. In this context, artificial intelligence proves to be a key tool for optimising production processes, personalising the offer and strengthening global competitiveness.

Digital channels and brand recognition also remain key tools to fully exploit the potential of exports, together with integrated sustainability strategies in all supply chains. At the same time, the protection of Made in Italy against counterfeiting and Italian sounding is an essential condition to preserve the value of the brand in the world.