In 2015 Italian exports to the UK amounted to 1.8 per cent of GDP, against 2.7 for France, 3.2 for Spain and 3.7 for Germany. Imports amounted to 1.1 per cent of GDP, again less than for the other countries. Italy mainly exports machinery and mechanical engineering products, agri-food products, transport equipment, clothing and footwear, and tourism services.
The bilateral balance on goods is very positive for Italy, while the balance on services is generally even. Italy’s financial ties with the UK are not as close as those of the other main European countries, as regards both portfolio investment and direct investment.