Fashion: focus on italian exportations

In 2020, Made in Italy fashion sales abroad decreased with double-digit drops towards all the main commercial partners. Turnovers in Switzerland, France and Germany certify the first outlet markets for Italian fashion, followed by the United States, United Kingdom and China (Fig. 4).

Exports to Switzerland recorded an above-average reduction (-20.9%) for luggage and leather goods. France and Germany, which mainly welcome clothing (excluding fur) and footwear, recorded relatively smaller decreases (-13.7% and -11.2%).

The partial figure for 2021 indicates an almost generalized recovery of exports. The performance of sales to China, South Korea and Poland is highlighted. Poland is establishing itself as the largest fashion market in Eastern Europe. This is due to the large segment of the young population and a rising middle class, characteristics that have led many international brands to open stores in the country. In the Land of the Dragon there is a growing demand for luxury items, including Made in Italy, even though the demand from Chinese consumers is increasingly turning towards domestic products.

Territorial exports: a history of excellence

80% of Italian fashion sales abroad in 2020 were generated by Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. The latter is mainly characterized by exports of clothing (excluding fur) which, in fact, in 2020 represented more than half of the exported value. In Tuscany and Veneto clothing (excluding fur), leather goods and luggage and footwear are the main export sectors. In Lombardy, on the other hand, exports also include a good share of other textile products.

Between January and September 2021 (latest data available) the rebound is widespread in almost all regions even if some, especially Piedmont, Marche and Campania, show greater difficulty in recovery. Going against the trend of the sector, luggage and leather goods. Just as Arezzo’s clothing and knitwear items supported the province’s fashion exports in 2020, which however fell sharply in the first nine months of 2021.

The other main territorial specializations of the sector include textile and clothing from Prato, textile and yarn from Biella, sports footwear and textile and clothing from Treviso, textile and silk yarn from Como and footwear from Fermo, Macerata and Ascoli-Piceno (Fig. 5)

Source: Sace , Focus on Fashion 2021