Ten strategic sectors chosen for Opportunitaly tell the story of Made in Italy. A competitive ecosystem full of opportunities for business growth.
In 2024, Italy’s aerospace sector recorded turnover of €18 billion, an export contribution of around €6.7 billion and a workforce of 60,000. Output comprises 55% military and civil aircraft and supplies for Airbus and Boeing; 30% satellites and space modules for international missions; and 15% the development of drones, unmanned aircraft and integrated security systems.
Source: “Il Sole 24 Ore”
Reference data time frame: 2024
€6.7 BN
Export value
Italy ranks 9th worldwide for agri-food exports, a primary sector worth €52.7 billion in 2024. Specifically, Italy is the leading exporter of pasta and the second-largest exporter of wine and olive oil.
Source: TDM data
Reference data time frame: 2024
52,7 BN €
Export value
In 2024, Italy ranked 6th worldwide for exports of bicycles and motorcycles, generating €3.8 billion. Exports in the automotive sector alone generated €40.9 billion, placing the supply chain among the world’s top 15 exporting countries.
Source: "Osservatorio Economico" MAECI on ISTAT data
Reference data time frame: 2024
€44.7BN
Export value
The cultural and entertainment industry Made in Italy excels year after year. In 2024, the sector’s total exports reached €2 billion, of which €142.4 million were destined for emerging countries, recording a growth of +12.2% compared to 2023 and strengthening Italy’s presence in expanding economies.
Source: ICE processing based on ISTAT data, “Integrated Reporting and Analysis System”
Time period: 2024
€2 BN
Export value
The home furnishings sector is one of Made in Italy’s flagship excellences, internationally recognised for quality, design and innovation. It is confirmed as the world’s second most important sector by export value. In 2024, exports reached €18.3 billion in total, with 64% destined for Europe, equal to €11.6 billion.
Source: MAECI “Economic Observatory” based on ISTAT and TDM data
Reference data time frame: 2024
€18.3BN
Export value
Italy remains one of the world’s leading fashion players, with export value reaching €83.1 billion in 2024, positioning it as the No.1 European country for exports and No.2 globally. Made in Italy retains a benchmark position for excellence not only across the sector overall, but also in segments such as textiles, footwear and leather goods.
Source: "Osservatorio Economico" MAECI on TDM data.
Reference data time frame: 2024
€83.1BN
Export value
The health and wellbeing sector is a strategic pillar of the Italian economy. Thanks to an advanced research ecosystem, the presence of multinationals and strong synergies between innovation and industry, Italy remains among Europe’s most competitive hubs across pharmaceuticals, biomedical, biotech and healthcare. The country ranks among the world’s top 10 producers, with exports of €49 billion in pharmaceuticals, €18 billion in biotech and €40 billion in chemicals.
Source: MAECI Economic Observatory based on TDM data
Reference period: 2024
49 BN €
Pharmaceutical sector export value
The skill and precision of small artisans, combined with the innovations of large industries, have made mechanical engineering a symbol of Italian excellence worldwide. With nearly €100 billion in global exports in 2024, Italy ranks among the world’s top five exporters in the sector, behind China, Germany, the United States and Japan.
Source: MAECI “Economic Observatory” based on ISTAT data
Reference data time frame: 2024
€99.8BN
Export value
In 2024, Italy’s boating sector recorded a 7.5% increase in exports compared with the previous year, reaching €4.3 billion. Of all products exported by Italy, pleasure or sports boats between 7.5 and 24 metres in length—excluding RIBs, outboard-powered craft and vessels for sea navigation—account for 54% of export value.
Source: MAECI “Economic Observatory” based on TDM data
Reference data time frame: 2024
€4.3BN
Export value
Italy is among the key players in the ecological transition thanks to low-environmental-impact technologies that combine industrial tradition and innovation. In 2024, the sector’s exports reached a total of €6.68 billion, driven not only by photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, but also by electrical and electronic wires and cables, which alone exceeded €4 billion, confirming the international competitiveness of Made in Italy.
Source: ITA – Italian Trade Agency processing of ISTAT data
Reference data time frame: 2024
€6.68BN
Export value
Sign up for the Italian Export Acceleration Programme. You will get access to premium content and business matching services, provided by the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
