South Tyrolean exports on the rise, with Germany as the leading market
Significant declines were recorded, however, in trade with Austria (-5.5%) and, in particular, the United States (-25%): this is due to tariffs and geopolitical tensions
by Barbara Ganz
Key points
Positive signs are coming from Germany, which accounts for 31% of South Tyrol’s exports (its largest market) with a year-on-year increase of 1.8%, as well as from France (+1.4%) and Spain (+22%). By contrast, significant declines are reported for exports to Austria (-5.5%) and, above all, the United States (-25%) compared with the first quarter of 2025.
South Tyrolean exports held up in the first quarter of 2026 despite geopolitical uncertainties, reaching €1.87 billion with a year-on-year increase of just under 1% (0.9%). This is according to data published by Astat, the province’s official statistical institute. However, data from various countries show that international markets are experiencing significant volatility linked to uncertainties arising from the geopolitical situation and, in the specific case of the US, also to tariffs.
The comment
There has been a significant increase in exports in the base metals and metal products sector, excluding machinery and equipment, whilst the transport equipment sector has lost ground. The quarter-on-quarter change, i.e. the trend compared with the previous fourth quarter of 2025 (characterised by significant seasonal fluctuations in exports due, for example, to holidays such as Christmas), shows a decrease of 3.5%.
“Against a backdrop of growing instability and rising costs for raw materials and energy, the resilience of exports demonstrates that the products of South Tyrolean companies – characterised by quality and high technological content – continue to be competitive on international markets,” emphasises the vice-president of Confindustria South Tyrol responsible for internationalisation, Klaus Mutschlechner. Over 80 per cent of exports come from the manufacturing sector, with the high-tech, food and wood sectors experiencing strong growth.
Policies
Overall, the first quarter shows a decline in exports to the EU, offset by an increase in exports to non-EU markets, highlighting the importance of diversifying trade markets. ‘The market for our businesses is becoming increasingly global. We therefore need policies that strengthen international competitiveness: we must tackle energy costs and enable businesses to fully develop their potential by reducing red tape and focusing on measures that encourage investment in innovation, digitalisation and energy efficiency,” continues Mutschlechner.
