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Businesses, of varying sizes, struggle amid multiple small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing difficulties collectively.

Foreign revenues show a significant surge, recording a gain of 73 million euros, reflecting an impressive 86% increase year-on-year.

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Companies, both large and mid-sized, face numerous challenges as they navigate through the business...
Companies, both large and mid-sized, face numerous challenges as they navigate through the business landscape. These challenges vary from managing finances, recruiting staff, to adapting to new market trends. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face these struggles more intensely due to limited resources and smaller teams. However, SMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and providing employment opportunities. Understanding and addressing the challenges they face is essential for ensuring their success and stability in the long run.

Businesses, of varying sizes, struggle amid multiple small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing difficulties collectively.

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Findings

The Northwestern areas of Italy witnessed a substantial drop in exports between 2023 and 2024, recording a 7.9% decline compared to a mere -0.3% for the country as a whole. However, it's essential to dig deeper and analyze the individual regional performances. Piedmont and Liguria experienced a considerable takeoff in exports, with declines of -5.4% and -24.1%, respectively. While Aosta Valley bucked the trend, registering a growth of 11%, placing it second after Calabria's 12.3% increase.

Breakdown

The total exports abroad for the analyzed areas dropped from €75.4 billion to €69.4 billion, equating to a decrease of €5.9 billion. This fall was primarily due to a significant drop in Piedmont (€-3.4 billion) and Liguria (€-2.5 billion). Liguria's drop was mainly fueled by a considerable contraction in ship and boat exports (€-1.8 billion; -64.8%) to the United States (-89%). Meanwhile, Piedmont's decline was due to a reduction in car sales (€-2.8 billion; -34.1%) resulting from decreases in sales to Germany (-53%) and France (-32%). Genoa emerged as the third province in Italy with the most significant reduction in export values (-37.7%).

Trading Partners

France is the primary trading partner of the businesses in the examined territories, accounting for 14.9% of the total. However, Northwest exports to France saw a decrease of 5.8%, caused by Liguria (-7.0%) and Piedmont (-5.9%) despite Aosta Valley's increase in exports of 9.8%. At the product level, machinery for general use exhibited stagnation in Northwest exports (-0.03%). There were regional differences, though, with Aosta Valley exports of machinery increasing by +37.6%, while Liguria (+23.0%) and Piedmont (-2.2%) also saw variation.

Expanding Horizons

Among the growing markets, Malta emerged as a noteworthy destination, recording a 62.0% increase in exports compared to 2023—more than double the national average (11.9%). This surge was primarily driven by a growth of €73 million in ship and boat exports (+86%). Additionally, while more contained, it's worth noting the increase in exports of "other food products" in the Northwest by +12.0%, in line with the national data (+11.0%). Aosta Valley had the best performance, rising by 36.1%, followed by Piedmont (+12.9%), while Liguria suffered a decline of -5.8%.

Sources:

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Other businesses in the Northwestern areas of Italy might consider diversifying their finance portfolios, as the declines in certain sectors such as ship and boat exports to the United States (-89%) and car sales to Germany (-53%) have significantly impacted the region's export values. Additionally, exploring opportunities with growing markets like Malta, which recorded a 62.0% increase in exports, could prove beneficial for business expansion.

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