Italy is turning one of its greatest industrial challenges into an opportunity for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. A new report published by SACE on October 27, 2026, highlights how recycling, resource efficiency, and advanced technologies can strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector while reducing its dependence on imported raw materials.
The figures demonstrate both the importance of this transformation and Italy’s considerable potential. In 2024, imported resources accounted for 46.6% of Italy’s material requirements, compared with the European Union average of 22.4%. In 2025, Italian material imports approached €600 billion, an increase of 23.3% compared with 2021.