MARGINAL INCREASES FOR ITALIAN EXPORTS TO CHINA: 3.7 MILLION EURO QUOTA REACHED

Though only a marginal increase has been registered for Italian food products in China, it is sign of a good prospectives for expansion. This is the data from a recent analysis of Italian exports to China conducted by Federalimentare on the occasion of the inauguration of the exposition “Vinitaly China & Cibus 2006” which was held recently in Shanghai with the attendance of Minister Paolo De Castro.
According to the Federalimentare data, Italian food exports to China reached a total of 26.7 million euros in 2005. Within this, 4.2 million euros were earned with fresh agricultural products. Now, exports in the food industry have increased in earnings from the previous year (+23.2%).
Wine exports were particularly noteworthy in the first six months of this year. Wine earned 3.7 million euros and registered an increased total share (16.9%) of food products that are exported. Wine, which currently represents 21% of Italy’s food exports, is just making an appearance now, along with the rest of Italian food & drink on the Chinese market. In the first semester of 2006, China ranked 25th among countries that import Italian wine.
Though not a high ranking it is still an interesting increase from it’s 66th place held in 2005. Total earnings were 136.3 million euro, with a slight fall (-5.5%) in respect to the previous year.