Our Markets
The German and Italian markets
lie at the core of our consulting activities.
For many years, we have been supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, family-owned businesses, as well as private clients from Germany, Italy, and other countries with professionalism and dedication. Our clients are interested in investing in Italy or Germany, or in establishing the center of their business activities and their private and family life in either country.
Economic Exchange Between Italy and Germany (Situation 2024–2025)
Economic exchange between Italy and Germany represents one of the most significant bilateral trade relationships within the European Union. For many years, Germany has been Italy’s leading trading partner, both in terms of exports and imports.
In 2024, bilateral trade volume reached approximately €156 billion, despite a slight decline of around 4% compared to the previous year. Italian exports to Germany amounted to roughly €71 billion, while imports from Germany reached approximately €85 billion.
In 2025, early signs of recovery are emerging: already in the first quarter, trade volume exceeded €40 billion, with an increase in Italian exports (+5.4%).
Sectoral Structure
Bilateral trade is strongly shaped by an industrial base and is concentrated in several key sectors:
1. Mechanical Engineering and Capital Goods
Mechanical engineering represents the primary sector. Italy exports high-quality machinery and equipment to Germany, while Germany supplies complex industrial goods and advanced technologies. This sector benefits from the strong industrial integration between the two economies.
2. Automotive and Transport Sector
The automotive industry plays a central role, particularly in regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, as well as Northern Italy. However, the recent crisis in the sector has partly slowed trade in this area.
3. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector
Germany mainly exports chemical and pharmaceutical products to Italy. At the same time, Italian exports in this sector are also growing and, in 2025, are among the most dynamic.
4. Metallurgy and Intermediate Goods
Metals and semi-finished products represent another important component of trade. In 2025, this sector recorded significant growth in Italian exports.
5. Consumer Goods: Fashion, Food, and Design
Italy is particularly strong in the export of consumer goods:
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food and beverages (over €6.5 billion annually)
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fashion and textiles (including clothing and leather goods)
These sectors are fundamental pillars of “Made in Italy” in Germany.
6. Agriculture and Agri-food Products
Agricultural products also play a role, although more limited compared to the industrial sector. However, Italian agri-food exports are steadily growing.
Regional Dimension and Economic Integration
At the regional level, economic integration is particularly strong:
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in Italy: Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna dominate
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in Germany: Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg stand out
Lombardy alone accounts for approximately one-third of the total trade volume.
Current Trends and Outlook
Despite global uncertainties (such as geopolitical tensions and structural transformations in industry), trade between Italy and Germany remains remarkably resilient:
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Italian export growth in 2025 stands at around +3.3%
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the most dynamic sectors are pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, and specialized industrial goods
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challenges persist in the automotive sector and in energy-intensive industries
In the long term, economic integration between the two countries remains a fundamental pillar of European industry.
* Sources: AHK, Trading Economics, Infomercatiesteri, Sky TG24