Supply Chain Research

Italian exports increased by 2% in February, the sixth increase in the past seven months but the slowest rate for that period. Exports to the EU increased just 1% despite a 75% jump in energy shipments. Sales to the U.S. supported growth for the month, but have dropped in March. Panjiva data shows U.S.-bound shipments fell 2% on a year earlier, the first decline since May 2016. That was the result of lower consumer products exports – including furniture and beverages – and despite improving export sentiment among Italian managers.