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The On 27 January, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the event “Promoting Italian Exports Worldwide. Trade Fair Calendar and System Italy Actions for 2026”, focusing on the strategic role of international trade fairs in supporting the international expansion of Italian companies.
The initiative builds on the Trade Fair Internationalisation Roundtable, launched in September, aimed at improving coordination across the national trade fair system and promoting joint initiatives and strategic partnerships to enhance international visibility and competitiveness.
Italy currently ranks fourth worldwide for available covered exhibition space, after China, the United States and Germany, confirming its strong position in the global trade fair market.
In 2025, Italy hosted 915 trade fairs, mainly B2B-oriented, attracting over 17 million visitors. During the same year, 89 Italian trade fairs were organised abroad across 20 countries, with China, Brazil and the United States among the main destinations.
For 2026, 878 trade fair events are already scheduled for 2026, including 276 international and 202 national exhibitions. The food, beverage and hospitality sector will account for around 12% of total events, followed by textiles, fashion, and sports, leisure, entertainment and arts. Significant participation is also expected in technology and mechanical engineering, agriculture and livestock, as well as jewellery and accessories.
As part of the Ministry’s ongoing reform, Italy’s foreign policy continues to strengthen its economic and export-oriented dimension, supporting companies in their international growth strategies.
Following the recent Italy–Germany Business Forum in Rome, further business forums are planned between April and May in Shanghai and Miami. In parallel, three preparatory meetings for the National Export Conference 2026 are being organised to involve companies from Northern, Central and Southern Italy, ensuring broad participation across the national production system.
30 January 2026