Italian trade growth continued in December, with exports and imports rising 6% according to official figures. The rise in imports was due to a 16% jump in crude oil imports that was tied to higher prices. Exports to the EU climbed 7%, but the main success was shipments to the U.S. which increased 12% in December. More of the same looks likely in January, with U.S.-bound freight increasing a further 11%, according to Panjiva data. That rise was driven by building materials and wine.