Economic and trade relations are a fundamental pillar in the ties between Italy and the United States.
In 2019, the interchange of goods and services between the two countries reached a total value of over $100 billion* (US Customs data, source DoC).
The United States is, by far, the leading market for Italian products outside the European Union, and indeed the third largest in the world.
Italian exports to the U.S. are mainly in the sectors of machinery, means of transport, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, fashion industry/apparel, interior design and agri-food. Italian demand for U.S. products, on the other hand, is primarily in the areas of pharmaceutical and basic chemical products, energy products (coal and petroleum derivatives) and aircrafts.
Investment flows are also very significant, and stocks exceed 30 billion dollars in both directions. Italian investments in the US are mainly concentrated in the retail sector (textiles/clothing), instrumental mechanics, agri-food, automotive, energy, logistics, infrastructures, defense industry and aerospace. U.S. investments in Italy revolve principally around the areas of the manufacturing industries, in particular chemistry, mechanics and computer and electronics, as well as around services, in particular those pertaining to banking, finance and insurance, in addition to information technology and telecommunications.
In recent years, both trade and investment trends have grown steadily. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced a slowdown in 2020.
For more information on the US market:
- Trade and investment trends (Italian)
- Italian Trade and Investment Agency (ICE) data on trade and investments (available upon registration at www.ice.it)
The Embassy of Italy’s Office of Economic, Commercial and Scientific Affairs coordinates all activities pertaining to analysis, economic promotion and trade defense policy in the United States, aiming to enhance trade, investment flows and technological cooperation between the two countries.
The Scientific sector is an integral part of Office’s portfolio, with a particular focus on translational opportunities between research and industrial and commercial applications.
The Space sector also falls under the remit of the Office’s competences, both for its role in technology and science, but increasingly for its economic aspects.
This promotion strategy is implemented through constant coordination with the consular network, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) network, the Bank of Italy, the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT), the Ministries of Defense, Economy and Finance, Economic Development, University and Research, Agriculture and Forestry, Infrastructure and Transport, Environment, Innovation and Digitization, and Health, the Italian Space Agency, Italian leaders at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Inter-American Development Bank, while keeping a constant and constructive exchange with Italian companies in the US, or with those interested in entering the U.S. market, as well as with trade associations and research centers.
- Office of Economic, Commercial and Scientific Affairs
- The Italian network in the United States: Consular network; Italian Trade Agencies (ICE); ENIT-Italian National Tourist Board ; Italian-American Chambers of Commerce
In September 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina), in collaboration with ICE, SACE and SIMEST, launched a joint portal for Italian exporters containing relevant information, data and practical indications on procedures, financing and assistance for companies: https://export.gov.it/
Business opportunities in the United States: the following is a good starting point, and the Info Mercati Esteri presents a general overview:
For information on the U.S. market and on its commercial aspects you can make reference to the information below:
For information on U.S. federal and state regulations that Italian investors must be aware of before setting up an operational or commercial structure in the U.S., from legal and tax compliance aspects to labor law, from investment rules to incentives offered by the various state administrations, please visit the following:
- In English, the U.S. government portal “Select USA”
- In Italian the ICE Website
TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE, USE NEXUS
To request economic and commercial assistance, please use the Nexus Platform and fill in this form, or click on the Nexus logo in the right column. NEXUS is an application of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in support of the activity of the diplomatic-consular network to Italian companies operating, or interested in operating in, foreign markets.
NEXUS makes it easier to manage requests for assistance from Italian companies abroad in a cohesive manner.
Doing Business in Italy
If you are interested in doing business in Italy, please visit:
- The World Bank's "Doing Business in Italy" guide and the "Why Invest in Italy" literature prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development;
- Macroeconomic data and analyses provided by the Treasury Department of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance;
- Bank of Italy statistics on the Italian economy;
- Italia Startup Visa (only in English);
- The Italian Business Register, where you can find official information on companies with headquarters or local units in the national territory.
Agreements and Understandings in the tax field
- Italy-United States TreatyItaly-United States Treaty on income and capital tax;
- Italy-United States Bilateral Agreement between the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (April 2011);
- Treaty between Italy and the U.S. for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxation of Real Property and Inheritance and Filing Requirements;
- Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Italy and the Government of the United States of America for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of fiscal evasion or avoidance. Exchange of Verbal Notes with amendments to the Convention.
EXCEPTIONAL POST-COVID MEASURES IN SUPPORT OF ENTERPRISES
In the context of the response to the Covid-19 emergency, exceptional financial measures are available to Italian companies to help them in their post-Covid recovery.
RELAUNCH DECREE
Italian Government measures for the Relaunch of Enterprises and Economy.
PACT FOR EXPORT
It consists of an innovative strategy to re-launch "Made in Italy" exports in the post-emergency phase, through the strengthening of tools to support internationalization and wide-ranging promotional activity.
For further information please visit Pact for Export.
Garanzia Italia (Italy Guarantee)
Thanks to 200 billion euros of State guarantees allocated by the "Liquidity" Decree, SACE is able to support Italian companies by issuing guarantees at facilitated conditions, counter-guaranteed by the State, on loans granted by banks to help entrepreneurs find liquidity and financing necessary to face the Covid-19 emergency, thus ensuring continuity to economic and business activities.
The State guarantees on loans granted by banks can be requested until December 31, 2020 and will enable companies to access liquidity quickly, thus ensuring continuity to their operations.
Financing will be provided by banks, national and international financial institutions and other entities authorized to exercise credit in Italy, are guaranteed by SACE and counter-guaranteed by the State.
For further information, please visit:
- https://www.sacesimest.it/soluzioni/dettaglio-categoria/dettaglio-prodotto/garanzia-italia
“LIQUIDITY” TASK FORCE
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Bank of Italy, the Italian Banking Association , the Mediocredito Centrale (MCC) and SACE have set up a Task Force to ensure the efficient and rapid use of the liquidity support measures adopted by the Government with Legislative Decree No. 18, 2020, further extended with Legislative Decree No. 23, 2020.
The Task Force works to ensure that potential beneficiaries and banks are aware of the new liquidity support procedures, and to facilitate their use. Furthermore, it promotes coordination and exchange of information between the parties, identifies and disseminates the best solutions to any application problems, and oversees the collection and dissemination of data on the mechanisms provided by the legislation.
For further information and contact details of the Liquidity HelpDesk, please refer to the following link:
http://www.mef.gov.it/covid-19/taskforce-liquidita.html
ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs ON ASSISTANCE TO ITALIAN COMPANIES ABROAD
1. Do Italian Embassies and Consulates around the world provide assistance to Italian companies?
Yes. Accompanying and assisting companies in international markets is an important priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina) and its network abroad, in close collaboration with other Ministries and competent bodies, especially in light of the key role that internationalization plays both in the growth of companies and of our country’s economic system. For this reason, over 200 Diplomatic Offices (Embassies and Consulates) form a network at the service of Italian citizens and businesses around the world. Since 2020, the ICE Agency Offices have become an even closer part of the economic diplomacy of the Farnesina, and operate abroad in close coordination with the Embassy and Consulates. Furthermore, the network works closely with the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad.
2. What activities do Embassies and Consulates carry out to support Italian companies abroad?
As part of their economic diplomacy activities, Embassies and Consulates provide information on the market, orientation activities, as well as institutional support with regards to relations with local authorities, when this is deemed necessary. The Offices organize and manage institutional visits by representatives of the Italian government, local authorities and business associations. In addition, they collect, process and comment economic data, and organize promotional events in all sectors. Embassies maintain relations with local Ministries, promote and protect national economic interests, negotiate the removal of barriers to Italian exports and promote investments in Italy. Embassies and Consulates promote and support networking activities in favor of Italian companies, and issue business visas to foreign operators who intend to travel to our country, be it to participate in trade fairs, sign contracts or visit factories. More information can be found here: Visa for Italy.
3. What information can Embassies and Consulates provide?
Embassies and Consulates can provide information on the country or area of interest with regards to the state of bilateral political relations, safety, economic data, local contacts, Italian community in the country of interest (presence of ICE offices, Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, banks, Italian professional studios or consultants, other Italian companies, influential communities of Italian origin and more), on development cooperation programs and cultural initiatives: all information that can help guide operators in defining their commercial strategies. Moreover, in light of their network of relations and experience in local contexts, Offices can provide advance information on future projects and commercial or investment opportunities.
4. What support can Embassies and Consulates provide with regard to relations with local authorities?
A variety of options. For example, Embassies or Consulates can help in establishing contacts with local institutions (so from the very first phase of market entry), provide support in tender participation or in overcoming any key concerns (customs or tax disputes, intellectual property violations, the raising of non-tariff barriers, or the application of sanctions, etc.).
5. At what point in the internationalization process is it advisable to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina) and the diplomatic-consular network?
Ideally, it is best to contact the Farnesina and the diplomatic-consular network from the very start, beginning with the phase of identifying markets and opportunities – in other words, before even entering a foreign market. To that end, interested parties may use the information tools made available by the Farnesina (see FAQ no. 13).
In any event, the Embassy or Consulate of reference should be contacted before departure, in order to arrange a preliminary orientation meeting. This will also serve to understand whether the company needs institutional support or specific services (market studies, identification of commercial partners, consultancy on local legislation, specific services such as interpreting, on-site logistics services, etc.), for which the Embassy or Consulate will refer the company to the competent ICE office or the local Italian Chamber of Commerce (if not available, to consultancy firms and professional offices).
6. So companies may reach out to Embassies and Consulates even if there are no problems?
Yes. Often companies contact Embassies and Consulates only in situations of difficulty. However, albeit assisting companies in resolving disputes with government counterparts or overcoming critical issues that may arise abroad is certainly an integral part of economic diplomacy activities, if the diplomatic network is involved only when problems arise, the effectiveness of its action may be diminished. In light of this, it is advisable to contact the diplomatic-consular network regardless, even if it is only to signal one's presence in the country, an interest in participating in a tender, or the initiation of contacts with local counterparts. In fact, it is essential that Embassies and Consulates maintain an overall picture of the interests of Italian companies in a given market, so as to be able to best assist them in their activities, and enhance their position in the many contacts with authorities and other local points of contact. This also serves to attempt to preempt the emergence of critical issues.
However, it must be noted that the diplomatic-consular network cannot intervene in disputes between private parties, which require appropriate legal consultants which, if necessary, Embassies and Consulates can provide information on.
7. How can I contact Embassies and Consulates to request assistance for my company? Who should I contact?
To request assistance, information and meetings with the Embassy or Consulate, use this form.
8. In countries where there are both an Embassy and Consulates, when should I contact the Embassy, and when the Consulate?
Consulates carry out their functions in a specific area of the country ("consular district"). Companies that already operate in an area that falls within the consular district, or are interested in investing in that specific area, may contact the relevant Consulate directly. On the other hand, where companies are interested in a country but not a specific area, due to the type of market they operate in or to their size, they may contact the Embassy directly. In addition, the Embassy should be contacted for relations with the central authorities of the country, while the Consulate may be contacted for relations with regional and local authorities. In the event of uncertainty over district jurisdiction, the Embassy should be the first point of contact:it may then redirect companies to specific Consulates.
The list of Embassies and Consulates is available here.
9. If in the country in which my company operates or intends to operate there is also an Italian Trade Agency Office (ICE), what services can I request from the Embassy or Consulate, and which from the ICE Office?
Embassies and Consulates and the ICE Agency offices are closely integrated in terms of functions and, in many cases, logistics (sharing of premises). This entails that companies may receive extensive assistance ranging from orientation activities and, if necessary, institutional support from the Embassy, and more specific services provided by ICE, starting with researching clients and local partners, meetings with local operators and personalized market research. In addition, ICE offices, in collaboration with Embassies and Consulates, are responsible for organizing specific commercial promotion initiatives, including participation in trade fairs (also virtual ones) and attracting buyers to our country.
In all cases, whether the ICE office is located within or outside the Embassy or Consulate, respective officials maintain close coordination so as to be always able to direct and support companies in all aspects of activities abroad. A map of ICE offices around the world is available here.
10. What if there is also an Italian Chamber of Commerce Abroad?
The Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad are associations of entrepreneurs and professionals, both Italian and local, officially recognized by the Italian State. Therefore, they are private subjects that can offer Italian companies entering the market added value stemming from their deep roots in the territory, as well as from the presence of both Italian and local associate members which entails a first-hand knowledge of the market as well as a close working relationship with the local business world. The more well-connected members the Chambers have, the more they can provide valuable insight into the local reality, and thus be of service for companies. The Chambers carry out many activities aimed at facilitating companies in their commercial activities by, for example, facilitating contacts to conclude business deals, organizing seminars and conventions, monitoring sectorial trends and changes to fiscal and financial regulations as well as company law.
The list of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad is available here.
11. Once the requested assistance has been received, should companies continue to inform the Embassy or Consulate of activities in the country?
It is essential to continue to inform the Embassy or Consulate both of any critical issues and of any positive developments. In fact, this allows the diplomatic offices to follow-up on their support activities with local contacts, and to provide companies with any updates on areas of interest. Consequently, companies should not consider assistance on a specific issue as an end to itself, but as part of a structured relationship that must be upkept over time.
12. In addition to Embassies and Consulates, can I also contact the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina)?
Yes. It is useful to contact the Farnesina, especially for those companies that are not yet active in specific markets (and therefore do not have an Embassy/Consulate of reference) but are interested in a process of internationalization. In fact, the Farnesina constantly informs and communicates with companies about the opportunities offered by foreign markets, and acts as a high-level platform for putting the institutions of foreign countries in contact with the Italian business world, particularly during visits by foreign government members. It is therefore useful to follow activities and events organized by the Farnesina, such as the "Country Presentations" and the "Business Forums" even before entering the market.
To contact the Farnesina’s competent offices, use the same contact form for Embassies and Consulates, and select the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation" in the drop-down menu.
13. What tools does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina) offer companies before the approach to a foreign market?
The Farnesina offers some online platforms that provide Italian companies with useful information on markets and opportunities. In particular, InfoMercatiEsteri carries country profiles with information on the economic and political outlook, as well as on market opportunities (what to sell and where to invest), promotional initiatives, any obstacles to trade, critical points in investments and possible risks, access to credit, and an overview of Italian presence in the area and bilateral relations. Upon free registration, the ExTender platform offers information on international tenders for the supply of goods, services or the realization of works; "early warnings" (previews of tenders not yet published); news on multilateral projects and financing. News (calls for tenders and early warnings) related to over 7000 tenders are published annually on ExTender, with customizable alerts for specific countries or sectors. Moreover, the Farnesina promotes and finances the "Invest your Talent in Italy" program, which allows companies to recruit, for time-limited internships, highly qualified students from strategic markets.
14. Where can I find out about safety and health conditions in the country where I want to travel, invest in or send employees to, and on any advisable precautions?
The Crisis Unit's tools, accessible through the portals Viaggiare Sicuri (Safe Travels) and Dove Siamo nel Mondo (Where we are in the world), are always available to companies, especially those that operate or intend to operate in countries or areas that present particular risk profiles.
Viaggiare Sicuri carries current general information as well as on the safety, mobility and health related to each country. DoveSiamoNelMondo, which has a channel dedicated to business trips, allows users to report their temporary presence abroad, in order to be contacted quickly in the event of an emergency, and to facilitate the planning of any assistance.
15. Is there a charge for assistance to Italian companies abroad?
All the information, guidance and institutional support services offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic-consular network to companies are always entirely free of charge. The only types of services for which companies may be charged regard the use of Embassy or Consulate premises for conferences, seminars, events, or for interpreting services for non-institutional activities. Personalized services provided by Italian Trade Agencies and Chambers of Commerce may also incur a fee.
