Malaysia has a strong bilateral trade relationship with Italy, with total trade between the two countries recorded at RM14.32 billion in year 2023. Italy ranks as Malaysia’s 24th largest trading partner and 22nd largest import source. As the 3rd most populated country in the European Union (EU) and the 10th largest economy in the world, Italy is a potential market for Malaysian exporters.

Italy’s major industries are tourism, machinery, mechatronics, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear and ceramics. Currently, Malaysia’s top exports to Italy include palm oil-based manufactured products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, electrical and electronics products, machinery, equipment and parts, and manufactures of metal.

Although Malaysia’s primary exports to Italy are manufacturing inputs, there is potential for Asian food and beverage products in the Italian market. Several Asian products from countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, India, Thailand, China, Japan, and Vietnam are available in Asian supermarkets across Italy. Most of these products are distributed to Italy by importers in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

It is recommended for Malaysian companies interested in doing with business with Italy to gather market information on their target market to identify opportunities, competition and barriers to entry. The Italian market is highly competitive, with strong competition from local and other EU companies in all market segments. Moreover, the Italian market is becoming increasingly advanced as more Italian consumers adopt digital services. Malaysian companies should also be familiarised with the customs regulations, tariffs and compliance requirements in Italy. Information regarding EU customs tariff and commercial legislation can be found on the European Commission’s website.

For enquiries, please contact:

MATRADE Milan
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: +39 02 669 81839

AICE - Associazione Italiana Commercio Estero | Italian Association of Foreign Trade
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: +39 02 775 0320
W: www.aicebiz.com

European Commission TARIC Consultation
W: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en

References
MATRADE Webinar (Unlocking The Italian Market: Trade Trends And Industry Insights)