Quality Italian products: a 170 billion Euro lever

Italian quality exports, defined as 'Bello e Ben Fatto' (BBF), exceed 170 billion euro and is confirmed as the strategic lever for the country's growth, according to the 13th report of the Confindustria Study Centre. The study, presented at Fashion Week in São Paulo and carried out in collaboration with SACE and with the support of ANFAO, Confindustria Accessori Moda, Confindustria Nautica, Federalimentare and FederlegnoArredo, highlights an additional export potential of 27.6 billion euros and defines theLatin America as the new trade frontier, driven by the EU-Mercosur agreement and an average annual growth of 10%.

Mature and emerging markets: the potential for growth

The report (the full version of which can be found at this link) estimates an additional potential of 27.6 billion of BBF exports, with 19.4 billion in mature markets (USA, Germany, France, UK, Spain) and 8.2 billion in emerging markets (China, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan). The leading sectors remain food, fashion, furniture and jewellerysymbols of Italian identity and creativity.

Latin America: the new frontier for Made in Italy

The area Latin America and the Caribbean proves to be fertile ground for the economic and cultural cooperation. Between 2018 and 2024, exports of Italian BBF products to the region grew by an average of 10% per year, supported by a growing demand for creativity, sustainability and know-how. A determining factor are the communities of Italian origin that further strengthen this link, making the region a new frontier for the 'Italy brand'.

EU-Mercosur agreement: what benefits for Made in Italy?

• Duty Abatement: 4 billion.
• GI protection: 57 protected Italian geographical indications.
• Potential Additional Export: Over EUR 1.1 billion.

A key element that promises to open a new phase in Euro-Latin American relations is certainly the understanding between European Union and Mercosurapproved by the European Commission in 2024. An agreement that promises to slash EUR 4 billion in tariffs, ensure the protection of 57 Italian geographical indications and create new investment opportunities. According to the Confindustria Centro Studi, the agreement could release over EUR 1.1 billion of additional export potential for Italian companies, on top of the 7.4 billion already realised in 2024.

The Strategic Importance of the EU-Mercosur Agreement: Confindustria's Vision

Barbara Cimmino, Vice President for Export and Investment Attraction of Confindustria, strongly emphasised the strategic value of the EU-Mercosur agreement:

"Strengthening Made in Italy goes through a strategy of opening and not closing trade. The agreement with Mercosur is a test case for Europe's ability to act as a global economic power and for Italy to promote relations based on mutual trade and shared growth. This is why the member states must show that they can move quickly and cohesively by ratifying this free trade treaty as soon as possible. We need a foreign economic policy that focuses on cooperation, sustainability and the enhancement of the cultural content of our products, accompanying companies on the most dynamic markets and strengthening the value of the Italian brand in the world'.

Brand Protection Italy and Sustainable Transition

Finally, the report highlights two decisive challenges: the protection of Made in Italy against counterfeiting and 'Italian sounding', and the sustainable transition of production. Expansion in Latin America, combined with digital transformation and new platforms, can consolidate the Italian presence as a reliable and innovative partner in new global trade routes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on 'Beautiful and Well Done' Export

What is meant by 'Bello e Ben Fatto' (BBF) in the context of Italian exports?

The 'Bello e Ben Fatto' (BBF) is the set of quality Made in Italy products that combine craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability, and whose export value exceeds 170 billion euro.

How much is BBF (Beautiful and Well Made) export worth?

The export of 'Beautiful and Well Made' (BBF) products is worth over EUR 170 billion.

What is the estimated additional growth potential for BBF exports?

The study estimates an additional potential of 27.6 billion exports, of which 8.2 billion in emerging markets and 19.4 billion in mature markets.

Which sectors drive BBF exports?

The leading sectors are food, fashion, furniture and jewellery.

Why is Latin America important for Made in Italy?

Between 2018 and 2024, BBF exports to Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 10% annual averagesupported by demand and communities of Italian origin.

What benefits are expected from the EU-Mercosur Agreement?

The EU-Mercosur Agreement, approved in 2024, promises to bring down EUR 4 billion in dutiesprotect 57 Italian geographical indications and release over EUR 1.1 billion in additional export potential