Exports are flying. In the first four months of the year, Istat reported a trade balance surplus of 17.6 billion euros, 16 more than in the same period last year. The balance was due to a 2.3% growth in exports and a 1.1% decline in imports. In April alone, the positive balance amounted to 4.8 billion euros. Industries contributing the most to exports include pharmaceuticals, food, machinery manufacturing, and chemicals. Purchases from abroad that decline the most are related to oil and natural gas, while the first four months saw a 10% increase in imports of Chinese cars (recently affected by European tariffs). Growth in exports, a good momentum in tourism and services, and also investment in construction have so far provided support for the economy's growth, the Confindustria Study Center points out. Good signals are also coming from the consumption front, with the inflation decreasing.
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