ITALY

Export Atlas in PDF

Italy, the euro zone third-largest economy with a population of 58,9 million, will see an economic growth of 0.7% in 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects. It is expected to accelerate over the following two years, cumulatively by more than 2 per cent. Economic activity is projected to be supported primarily by consumption, driven by the recovery in real disposable income, and by exports, due to the increase in foreign demand. Inflation is expected to remain low at 1.1 per cent in 2024 and 1.6 per cent in 2025 and 2026, on the condition that no significant tensions will arise on energy commodity and financial markets. 

The GDP growth projections are slightly higher for 2025 and 2026, mainly owing to the impact of the expansionary measures set out in the medium-term fiscal-structural plan, and of the assumption of more favourable financial conditions. Still, as regards the debt-to-GDP ratio, the IMF’s expectations are for an increase to 136.9% in 2024 and 138.7% in 2025, compared to 134.6% in 2023.

The measures introduced under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) should to provide an economic boost. Exports are projected to decline over 2024 and to gradually grow again over the next two years, owing to reviving foreign demand. The current account balance of payments is set to improve further, close to 1.5 per cent of GDP in 2026. Employment is expected to continue to grow over the three-year horizon at a slower pace than observed in 2023. The unemployment rate, which averaged 7.7 per cent in 2023, is projected to fall to 6.7 per cent on average in 2024 and to 6.3 per cent in the two years following. 

Overall, the Italian commercial sector is characterised by family-owned companies that offer particular specialisation, often grouped into "industrial districts". However, most Italian firms are small and suffer from weak productivity, which made them particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus crisis. Investment is structurally low and Italy's integration in global value chains remains limited.

Summary

Italy is one of BNP Paribas' 'home' markets, and is the fourth largest bank in the country with comprehensive capabilities for all customer segments. BNP Paribas is a leader in corporate banking in Italy, with 46 business centres, and more than 70 people specifically dedicated to cash management services. The bank also provides a complete service offering in trade finance across 5 trade centres. Corporate customers include Italian companies of all sizes, together with Italian subsidiaries of foreign companies. These organisations are attracted to the bank's strong balance sheet, depth of domestic and international products and services, including proximity services across Italy, international footprint and commitment to service quality.

Currency

  • Italy uses the euro (EUR).

Bank accounts

  • A company is generally considered resident in Italy if its place of effective management is located there.

Factoring

  • Global deed of assignment of future receivables valid for 24 months or single assignments. 
  • Assignment to public debtors should be certified by a notary and notified by public officer.

BNP Paribas Cash Management Capabilities

Cash collections
Cheque collections
Direct debit collections
Domestic incoming transfers
Virtual IBAN
Virtual accounts
International incoming transfers
Card acquiring

Payments & collections

Electronic credit transfers are most commonly used by companies to make supplier and payroll payments, although some smaller businesses continue to use cheques. Payment card use is increasingly rapidly, with cards (especially debit cards) the most widely used payment instrument by volume. In 2020, the government promoted the use of cashless payments for in-store payments with 10% rebates for users of cards or mobile apps for payments. Known as the Italia Cashless, the scheme, part of the government’s plan to modernise payments in the country, was suspended in June 2021. Contactless card transactions account for more than half of all in-store card payments.

The CBI (Customer to Business Interaction) Consortium, established by the Italian Bankers’ Association (ABI) has introduced a multibank digital signature standard as well as XML-based standards for SEPA credit transfers and direct debits, the electronic exchange of invoices, invoice financing, and structured statements. Banks are required to offer the CBI Consortium online banking platform. Over one million companies use CBI Consortium electronic banking standards.

Digital banking services are increasingly available and widely used, particularly mobile banking services.

Short term investments

Interest payable on credit balances

  • Interest-bearing current accounts are permitted for resident and non-resident companies.

Demand deposits

  • Demand deposits are permitted for resident and non-resident companies.

Time deposits

  • Time deposits are available in EUR ormajor  foreign currencies for terms of one night to one year.

Certificates of deposit

  • Certificates of deposit (CDs) are not commonly used in Italy.
  • CDs can be denominated in EUR, GBP, USD or CHF, for terms ranging from three months to five years.
  • CDs can be issued paying fixed or floating interest.
  • CDs with a term greater than 18 months cannot be redeemed before the expiry of the first 18 months.
  • There is no secondary market.

Treasury (government) bills

  • The Italian Ministry of Finance's Treasury department issues Treasury bills (Buoni ordinari del Tesoro – BOTs).
  • BOTs can be purchased online or through intermediaries. Terms are typically three, six or 12 months. There is an active secondary market.
  • Buoni obbligazionari comunali are issued by regions, provinces and municipal authorities.

Commercial paper

  • The cambiale finanziaria is typically issued with maturities ranging from three months to one year.
  • The minimum investment is EUR 50,000.
  • Large Italian companies offer commercial paper outside Italy
  • Italian companies can invest in Eurocommercial Paper.

Money market funds

  • Money market funds are available in Italy.
  • The minimum investment is EUR 25,000.

Repurchase agreements

  • Repurchase agreements (pronti contro termine – PCTs) have become popular in Italy.
  • Maturities range from one week to three months, although 60% of PCTs have a spot-value date.

Banker's acceptances

  • Banker's acceptances are not commonly used in Italy, but maturities of between three and 12 months are available.

BNP Paribas Trade Finance Capabilities

Documentary credits
Documentary collections

International trade

  • As a member of the EU, Italy follows the EU customs code and applies all associated regulations and commercial policies.
  • Trade with other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland is exempt from tariffs and other controls.