« Go back SACE’s Compass: Diversification and Technology for International Growth
SACE has presented the nineteenth edition of the 2026 Export Map, a digital tool that analyzes opportunities and risks across approximately 200 foreign markets. In a global landscape characterized by an estimated trade growth of +2.3% for the 2026-2028 period, in-depth knowledge of international geographies has become the determining factor for the competitiveness of Italian companies.
Despite the resilience of world trade, economic activities are coexisting with structurally higher risks. Among the main critical issues monitored by SACE are geopolitical tensions, the introduction of new tariffs, and a potential slowdown in artificial intelligence investments. The map highlights overall stability in credit risk, but with significant regional differences: scores improved in 63 markets, while they worsened in 38 others.
The analysis identifies several key areas for business development:
- Americas: The United States remains central for the demand for premium goods, while Brazil emerges as a dynamic hub in Latin America, favored by the EU-Mercosur agreement and the energy transition.
- Middle East: Countries like Saudi Arabia (through Vision 2030) and the United Arab Emirates offer vast outlets in the engineering, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
- Asia: India and ASEAN countries (Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia) benefit from the reorganization of supply chains and the expansion of the middle class.
- Africa: The Mattei Plan acts as a catalyst for investment in infrastructure and renewables, particularly in Morocco, Egypt, and along major logistical corridors.
The competitiveness of "Made in Italy" necessarily involves geographical diversification. Currently, 45% of Italian companies export to only one market—a concentration that increases vulnerability to external shocks. SACE emphasizes the importance of integrating conscious risk management into corporate strategies to transform international potential into secure and lasting growth.