Export Import in Italy

Italy is an important member of European Union. It is actively involved in European trade. Italy does trade with most of the European countries, America and many of the Asian countries.

It is easy to start private business in Italy. According to World Bank statistics, Italy has favorable environment for conducting business and investment.

Since the year 1999, Italy has implemented strong economic policies to stick to the requirements of Economic and Monetary Union. Because of that, lower rates of interest and low inflation rates have been recorded in Italy. Italy started using Euro back in 1999 when it was introduced.

Italy is known for its world famous designs in the field of automotive, fashion and architecture. As a result, main exports of Italy are automobiles and fashion. The world renowned FIAT group is among the leading industrial units of Italy, which produces and exports number of automobiles like FIAT, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Lamborghini. Bugatti and Pagani, among others, are the two expensive and high end cars that are produced in Italy and exported across the world.

Italy is also known for its motorcycles and exports them throughout the world. Aprilla, Ducati and Piaggio are the leading manufacturer of some of the best bikes in the world. Bimota is another brand exported. Some of the best and trend setting fashion brands come from Italy. Italy produces and exports famous fashion brands like Armani, Versace, Valentino, Ellesse, Docle & Gabbana, Tod's, Roberto Cavalli, Benetton, Prada and Luxottica.

Italy also exports food products and some of the famous brand includes Baci, Campari, Ferrero, Barilla, Martini & Rossi and Parmalat.

Italy does not produce oil; if it could it would have been one of the greatest economies in the world. But, it has a company named Eni that refines oil and exports it other countries.

Leading home appliances brands that are exported to most countries of the world include Candy and Merloni. Italy is also known for producing defense and aerospace technology. Leading names among them are Alenia, Agusta and Finmeccanica. Beretta is the leading exporter of fire arms.

Italy as a country is quite diverse in terms of climatic changes and natural features. The country is best for growing crops, mining, livestock, fisheries and other resources, but the bulk of raw materials required by its industries are imported from other countries.

Italy imports over three-quarters of its energy demands. This is a big issue for Italy as it spends lots of revenue for buying energy. This has facilitated and forced Italy to take energy conservation measures and today, it has the most sophisticated energy systems in place. However, the plants that provide power to Italy still run on gas. Therefore, to insure its continual supply of power and energy Italy maintains gas reserves that can last for two months. This makes gas a vital import.

Other products that Italy imports include engineering products, transport equipment, chemicals and chemical products, energy products, textiles, minerals, beverages, food and tobacco.