Sofia – Lombard exports to Bulgaria recorded a +17.1% increase in 2013, registering the highest regional growth for exports towards Europe. Considering the top 25 destination countries, Bulgaria precedes Russia (+13.3%), the Netherlands (+9.1%) and the UK (+7.7 %). In general, exports in 2013 exceeded half a billion euro in value, more than a quarter of the Italian total, with the manufacturing sector, particularly machinery (€113 million, up by 78.7%) and metal products, taking the lead. The data was revealed thanks to an elaboration of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan on ISTAT data from 2013 and 2012. The most active provinces are Milan (29.1% of regional exports, +53.9 % compared to 2012), Bergamo (21.4%, +36.2 %) and Brescia (16.2%, +13%). Pavia also increased its exports to Bulgaria (+64.4 %). Lombard imports from Bulgaria amounted to €400 million, mainly in the chemical, medical and pharmaceutical sectors (38.3% of the total). More than half is destined to Milan (57.9 % of the total), followed by Bergamo and Brescia. However, Como registered the highest growth, doubling its imports (+96.8 %). (9Colonne)
