Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector play a significant role in Italy's export landscape. According to the Eurostat data for 2020, SMEs contribute to 48.3% of the sector's total exports, with small enterprises accounting for 14.9% and medium-sized enterprises for 33.4%. This places Italy as the second-largest European economy for manufacturing exports, following Germany. The Export Observatory 2023 by Cna highlights that SMEs employ over one million workers and generate approximately 20% of Italy's manufacturing exports, emphasizing their substantial contribution to the country's economy.
Italy's export strength lies in various sectors, with a particular focus on the renowned "4 A's" of Made in Italy: apparel and fashion, food and beverages, home furnishings, and automation-mechanics. These sectors attract a significant share of SMEs engaged in exporting activities. For instance, companies with fewer than 50 employees contribute 40.6% of Italian foreign revenue in the wood sector, 31.8% in textiles, and 22.0% in the apparel and food sectors. The recovery of Italian exports post-pandemic has been impressive, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly eight percentage points (7.9%), showcasing Italy's resilience and its ability to leverage the strength of its SMEs in driving economic growth through international trade.
