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The twenty imports Italy is best placed to replace.

Italy imported USD 436bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 562bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 12bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
44products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
2284products Italy already exports well
2717product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Italy already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Italy would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Italy does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Plastics: builders' ware, doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doorsHS 392520

    Comes fromPoland 61%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 3.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 72m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 30m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 939m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Poland supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 939mup 17% on 2022
  2. 2

    Vinyl chloride polymers: monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile...HS 391620

    Comes fromGermany 74%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 3.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 35m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 16m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 231m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Germany supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 231mdown 12% on 2022
  3. 3

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 870321

    Comes fromSpain 28%, 46 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating... (exports USD 6.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 512m; 11 more lines in the heading, USD 23bn
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 5.2bn, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1).

    USD 5.2bnup 18% on 2022
  4. 4

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than...HS 853710

    Comes fromGermany 25%, 101 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical static converters (exports USD 3.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.4bn
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.6bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1).

    USD 1.6bndown 13% on 2022
  5. 5

    Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829

    Comes fromGermany 20%, 68 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating... (exports USD 6.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.8bn; 8 more lines in the heading, USD 3.0bn
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 814m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 814mup 0% on 2022
  6. 6

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromGermany 18%, 73 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 3.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.3bn; 1 more line in the heading, USD 175m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 653m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 653mdown 22% on 2022
  7. 7

    Plastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392310

    Comes fromGermany 37%, 73 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 3.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 343m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 262m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 452m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1).

    USD 452mdown 2% on 2022
  8. 8

    Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading...HS 851220

    Comes fromPoland 15%, 63 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical static converters (exports USD 3.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 558m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 166m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 442m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1).

    USD 442mdown 23% on 2022
  9. 9

    Seats: parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the ministerHS 940199

    Comes fromChina 27%, 61 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFurniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom use (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 645m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 120m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 325m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 325mdown 28% on 2022
  10. 10

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks, slabs or bars, (not filled), weighing 2kg or lessHS 180632

    Comes fromGermany 56%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in... (exports USD 2.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 189m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 160m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Germany supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 160mup 20% on 2022
  11. 11

    Cork: corks and stoppers, of natural corkHS 450310

    Comes fromPortugal 72%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCork: natural cork, raw or simply prepared (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Countries that export it well7

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 53m, top 47 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Portugal supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 53mdown 12% on 2022
  12. 12

    Slag wool, rock wool and similar mineral wools (including intermixtures thereof), in bulk, sheets or rollsHS 680610

    Comes fromCroatia 29%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMarble, travertine and alabaster: articles thereof, (other than... (exports USD 805m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 18m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 94m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 194m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1).

    USD 194mdown 25% on 2022
  13. 13

    Iron: articles of non-malleable cast ironHS 732510

    Comes fromChina 32%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 3.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 144m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 144mdown 32% on 2022
  14. 14

    Wood: for fuel, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or similar forms, whether or not agglomerated, non-coniferousHS 440112

    Comes fromCroatia 50%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthParticle board of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or... (exports USD 272m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 482m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 75m, top 38 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Croatia supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 75mdown 26% on 2022
  15. 15

    Games: operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment, other than billiard articles and...HS 950430

    Comes fromAustria 46%, 49 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAthletics and gymnastics equipment (exports USD 455m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 51m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 601m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 55m, top 46 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Austria supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 55mup 38% on 2022
  16. 16

    Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material: switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other...HS 730230

    Comes fromFrance 45%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 3.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 31m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 52m, top 47 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); France supplies 45 per cent (1).

    USD 52mup 140% on 2022
  17. 17

    Wood: coffinsHS 442120

    Comes fromRomania 40%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthParticle board of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or... (exports USD 272m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 12m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 174m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 51m, top 48 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Romania supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 51mup 9% on 2022
  18. 18

    Bedding and similar furnishing articles: n.e.c. in heading no. 9404 (e.g. quilts, eiderdowns, cushions, pouffes and...HS 940490

    Comes fromChina 24%, 79 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFurniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom use (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 130m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 167m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 2 of 8: import bill USD 122m, top 26 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 122mdown 14% on 2022
  19. 19

    Locks: (other than those for motor vehicles or furniture), (key, combination or electrically operated), of base metalHS 830140

    Comes fromAlbania 20%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthStoppers: caps and lids, of base metal (exports USD 601m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 143m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 23m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 2 of 8: import bill USD 95m, top 32 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 95mup 3% on 2022
  20. 20

    Plastics: fittings for furniture, coachwork or the likeHS 392630

    Comes fromGermany 32%, 54 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 3.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 140m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 215m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 2 of 8: import bill USD 86m, top 34 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Italy's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1).

    USD 86mup 19% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Italy already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 5.8bn, exports USD 2.1bn, top source Germany 45%
  • Fish preparations: tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or... imports USD 902m, exports USD 289m, top source Spain 42%
  • Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station... imports USD 1.9bn, exports USD 1.5bn, top source China 15%
  • Electrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the... imports USD 1.6bn, exports USD 1.2bn, top source Germany 23%
  • Antibiotics: n.e.c. in heading no. 2941 imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 752m, top source Switzerland 35%
  • Railway or tramway rolling stock: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8607 imports USD 475m, exports USD 191m, top source Poland 50%
  • Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including... imports USD 420m, exports USD 147m, top source Poland 27%
  • Tanned or crust hides and skins: without hair on, bovine or equine, in the wet... imports USD 321m, exports USD 66m, top source United States 22%
  • Copper: strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper, in coils imports USD 388m, exports USD 158m, top source Germany 43%
  • Copper: wire, of refined copper, of which the maximum cross-sectional... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 841m, top source Germany 53%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 2717 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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