FILE PHOTO - The Italian and the European flags can be seen on the tower of the old building of the Quirinale Palace in Rome. (is associated with: «Italian trade surplus shrinks in June») Marijan Murat/dpa
FILE PHOTO - The Italian and the European flags can be seen on the tower of the old building of the Quirinale Palace in Rome. (is associated with: «Italian trade surplus shrinks in June») Marijan Murat/dpa

Italy's foreign trade surplus decreased in June from a year ago as imports grew faster than exports, the statistical office ISTAT reported on Tuesday.

The trade surplus declined to €4.23 billion ($4.87 billion) in June from €5.38 billion in the corresponding month last year. The expected surplus was €4.74 billion.

Exports climbed 9.8% annually in June, while imports logged a double-digit growth of 13.2%.

Shipbuilding sales contributed significantly to the overall positive export trend in June, ISTAT said.

Imports from non-EU countries grew 18.7%, and those from EU markets advanced 9.1%. The country exported 15.1% more to EU markets.

The seasonally adjusted trade surplus rose to €3.67 billion in June from €3.41 billion in May. Both exports and imports increased by 1.6% and 1.2%, respectively, compared to the prior month.

During the first half of 2026, the total trade surplus was €24.5 billion versus €22.8 billion in the same period of 2025.