Italy–China trade by region

A geographical reading of ISTAT’s 2024 data shows how trade between Italy and China remains strongly shaped by regional dynamics. In 2024, Italy’s goods exchange with China reached €67.4 billion, consisting of €52.1 billion in imports and €15.3 billion in exports.

The North-West remained the main hub for Italy–China trade, with €29.9 billion in total flows. Lombardy alone accounted for €24.3 billion, confirming its role as the country’s industrial and logistical core.

The North-East followed with €15.1 billion, supported by Veneto and Emilia-Romagna where machinery, fashion and industrial components dominate both import and export activity.

The Central regions reached €8.7 billion, with Tuscany as the main contributor at €4.1 billion supported by leather goods, machinery and high-end manufacturing.

The South totalled €10.7 billion, while the Islands accounted for €0.5 billion. Within the South, Campania was the leading region, with €8.2 billion in trade reflecting its strong import component and the role of its port and industrial infrastructure.

Overall, Italy’s trade with China in 2024 remained highly concentrated in the northern regions, where industrial capacity, export-oriented districts and logistics networks shape the geography of bilateral exchanges.

In terms of total trade, the strongest regional performers were Lombardy (€24.3 billion), Campania (€8.2 billion), Veneto (€6.9 billion), Emilia-Romagna (€6.5 billion) and Piemonte (€4.7 billion).

On the import side, flows were led by Lombardy (€18.4 billion), Campania (€7.9 billion), Veneto (€5.4 billion), Emilia-Romagna (€4.3 billion) and Piemonte (€3.0 billion).

Export flows were driven mainly by Lombardy (€5.9 billion), Emilia-Romagna (€2.2 billion), Tuscany (€1.8 billion), Piemonte (€1.7 billion) and Veneto (€1.5 billion), confirming the central role of Italy’s main manufacturing districts in relations with China.