Dec. 13 – Reggio Emilia can boast the title of “City of Italy,” because the Italian flag was born in the city on January 7, 1797, when the tricolor flag became the symbol of the Cispadana Republic. For historical reasons, Reggio continues to uphold Italy’s very best excellence in the economic field, exporting more of its products to foreign markets. According to data released by ISTAT and analyzed by the Chamber of Commerce, cheese exports reached €6.5 billion in the first nine months of 2013, a value that exceeds by €40.5 million those recorded in the same period of 2012, and brings a positive sign to the annual percentage change: +0.6%. In the fall, although at slower pace compared to the first half-year (-3.5%), imports fell by 1.3%, from €2.486 to €2.453 million. The trade balance between exports and imports amounted to + €4.021 million in September, higher by 1,9% compared to that of the first nine months of 2012 (+3.947 million). “All positive – according to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce – the sales trends of the leading products from Reggio Emilia economy, with the exception for textiles and clothing (-6.7 % to €1,084 million from €1,162 in the same period in 2012) and rubber and plastic products (-14.3 %, from €110 to €94 million). A positive mark (+ 1,6%) is registered for engineering products, whose exports reached €3.3 billion, accounting for more than half of total exports. Ceramics exports went from €634.2 million to €685.3, growing by +8.1 %. All food and beverages rose by 2% to €457 million; while an increase of 4.7% is registered for electric- electronic products (from €460.2 million to €481.6 million); finally, chemical substances exceeded the €216 million mark (+8.8%).”
