Aug. 28 – A country of saints, poets, and sailors … but also of sportswear manufacturers. The products are one of the most celebrated made in Italy excellences, and the numbers show that it is not to be underestimated. Based on an elaboration by the Chamber of Commerce of Milan on Istat data for the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2012, there were 807 enterprises active in the production of sportswear and gear that had almost €1.3 billion in turnover. 20.7% of the national total is based in Lombardy, followed by Veneto (14.7%) and Emilia Romagna (11.6%). At the regional level, the main hub is Veneto (26.4% of national imports and 31% of exports). Exports in 2012 exceeded € 769 million: 60.3% of these, amounting to over €464 million, went to the European Union, especially France, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom. Italian products are then directed to America (14.1%) and Asia (11.2%). Veneto (31%), Emilia Romagna (28.7%) and Lombardy (12.6%) are the regions that export the most. Imports, amounting to more than 520€ million, come mainly from the EU (59.2%) and Asia (37.7%). China remains the leading supplier for Italian manufacturers, accounting for 26.6% of total imports for a value of more than €138.5 million.
