Supply Chain Research

Italy’s exports increased 5% in November and imports by 7%. The trade surplus reached 4.2 billion euros, but the surplus with the EU specifically fell to its lowest since July 2015. EU-bound exports only increased 2% and were helped by an 11% jump in energy exports that were the result of higher volumes. Shipments to the U.S. jumped 18% in November and likely increased a further 15% in December. Most lines are doing well except for furnishings, capital equipment and (in December) food preparations including canned tomatoes.