In a world marked by geopolitical complexities and fluctuating economic conditions, the commercial partnership between Italy and Germany stands strong despite a slight dip in trade. According to Jorg Buck, the General Manager of the Italian-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Italien), this partnership has maintained its momentum with a total trade volume of 156 billion euros, marking the third best result on record. Although this represents a 4% decrease from the previous year, the high level of exchange indicates a robust relationship.
Promising sectors for growth in this partnership include traditional industries such as food, electrical engineering, and chemistry. However, the automotive sector, while faced with challenges, also holds potential due to evolving policies in Germany and across Europe. Buck stated, "We are still moving at record levels, observing a total volume of 156 billion euros of trade exchange, which is the third-best result ever." His remarks highlight the resilience and adaptability of this bilateral trade relationship.
Moving forward, Italy and Germany will need to focus on several strategic themes to navigate the complexities of the international market. Energy costs are at the forefront of these discussions. Monica Poggio, President of the Italian-German Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Bayer, emphasized the importance of addressing energy expenses and developing alternative energy sources while considering ecological transitions. She pointed out the necessity of simplifying bureaucracy and boosting investments as critical factors for future growth with joint efforts in these areas.
The recent constitutional amendment approved by the German government on March 18, 2025, marks a significant step in reinvesting in the economy, which Poggio believes could serve as a catalyst. “This investment impetus will certainly benefit Italian companies as well, and we need to work on attracting investment toward Europe,” said Poggio, underscoring the interconnectedness of these economies.
However, challenges loom on the horizon as new tariffs introduced by the United States present significant risks, particularly for exports from Italy and Germany. Poggio highlighted that between 42% and 42.5% of the European Union’s exports to the U.S. originate from these two nations, making them particularly vulnerable to the potential fallout from increased tariffs. She stated, "Sicuramente dell'export dell'Unione Europea verso gli Stati Uniti il 42%, 42,5 se ricordo bene è italo-tedesco verso gli Stati Uniti, quindi saremmo i più colpiti, soprattutto in settori come per esempio la siderurgia." This assertion illustrates the precarious situation both nations could find themselves in, particularly in sectors like steel manufacturing, if new tariffs take effect.
In response to these external pressures, Poggio insisted that both countries must engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. Yet, she also called for opening up to other geographical sectors, advocating for a diversification of international relationships to mitigate risks stemming from potential trade disputes. "We cannot respond to a wall with a wall; tariffs are not the solution. We need to maintain dialogue with the United States, but we should also explore opportunities with other regions globally," she explained, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic approaches in addressing economic challenges.
The partnership between Italy and Germany, while facing challenges, remains anchored in a solid foundation of trust and collaboration. With an eye on the future, stakeholders must focus their efforts on optimizing energy use, simplifying bureaucratic processes, and fostering research and development, especially in innovative sectors such as artificial intelligence. As both nations navigate the complexities induced by global tariffs and fluctuating economic conditions, collaboration will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the sustained vitality of their trade relations.
