Abruzzo Faces Export Crisis: Fashion Sales Decline in Marche

Abruzzo is struggling with a severe crisis in its export sector, particularly affecting the fashion industry in Marche. The region faced a staggering 41.3% drop in exports during the first half of 2024, translating to a loss of €5 billion compared to last year.

The fashion sector specifically reported an alarming -5.7% decrease in foreign sales, equating to €72 million less in exports from the same period last year. While textiles and leather goods saw declines of -7.9% and -12.7% respectively, clothing experienced a surprising increase of +2.4%.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Marche, Gino Sabatini, expressed his dismay at the situation, noting, "It's striking how the emergency has escalated in a sector that was contributing to export growth until recently. Now, the trend has reversed." Andrea Maria Antonini, the regional Economic Development assessor, stressed the importance of continued support for these sectors not only for economic reasons but for the social fabric they help strengthen.

Despite the challenges, support measures are being discussed, including a €10 million fund to promote internationalization strategies tailored for small and medium enterprises. The overall trend in exports seems unfavorable, with significant declines noted across all provinces. In particular, Ascoli recorded a -74.9% drop. There is a notable decrease in exchanges with China, falling to €178.9 million.