"More exports to South America to boost the island's economy."
Confindustria: "The EU-Mercosur agreement offers millions of euros in potential, including to offset losses from US tariffs."
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In recent years, Sardinia's exports to Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay) have shown an extremely dynamic and often uneven trend, with phases of strong expansion alternating with moments of contraction.
The data relating to the period 2014 - 2024 clearly highlight this volatility: it goes from 24.1 million euros in 2014 to the extraordinary peak of 93.8 million in 2017, to then return to more contained values and stabilize around 35.8 million euros in 2024 .
The annual average for the period stands at around 43 million euros , but the distribution is far from uniform, as the weight of a few specific sectors has determined very marked fluctuations.
Following the presentation of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement by the European Commission to the Council of the EU, the Research Centre of Confindustria Sardegna has drawn up an analytical study on exports from the island to the countries concerned.
The report highlights how the conclusion of a trade agreement of this magnitude between the European Union and Mercosur would represent a significant opportunity for Sardinia's economy.
The elimination of customs duties could strengthen the competitiveness of Sardinian products, from agri-food to industrial production, and could at least partially offset the losses resulting from tariff tensions with the United States.
Furthermore, the Mercosur countries would not only represent an outlet market, but also a strategic platform that would allow for the consolidation of trade channels towards the entire South American continent.
The sector that contributed most to overall export performance was petroleum refining . In 2017, it alone contributed over 77 million euros to exports (over 80% of the total), and in 2022, the sector's sales in Mercosur amounted to 58 million.
The growth shown by the chemical and mechanical sectors is noteworthy. Basic chemicals, in particular, has grown from €15.7 million in 2014 to over €21 million in 2024 , proving to be the most solid sector in terms of exports to South America.
The mechanical engineering sector has seen significant growth, going from just over 1 million euros to almost 10 million in the same period, signalling the growing technological competitiveness of the island's industry.
Alongside these sectors, cork exports maintain an important role, having found a stable outlet especially in Argentina (but also in other South American countries, such as Chile and Peru), and dairy exports , which despite smaller volumes guarantee continuity.
"The analysis," states Andrea Porcu, director of Confindustria Sardegna , "confirms the ongoing transition toward a more diversified and innovative export model. The challenge for companies will be to consolidate their presence in South American markets by enhancing the quality of traditional products while strengthening the technological and industrial sectors."
(Unioneonline/lf)
