In July, Italian industrial production showed a positive sign, with the seasonally adjusted index increasing 0,4% compared to June. Growth also consolidated in the May-July quarter average, which increased 0,2% compared to the previous three months. The food, beverage, and tobacco sector was the main driver of industrial growth, posting a 5,7% year-on-year increase, among the highest ever. This figure confirms the sector's central role in the country's production stability, in a still challenging environment for domestic consumption and exports.
On the economic front, the food sector benefited from the strong performance of consumer goods, up 2,1%. Capital goods (+1,6%) and intermediate goods (+0,7%) also grew, while energy declined (-7,8%). Adjusted for calendar effects, the general production index rose 0,9% compared to July 2024, with 23 working days, the same as the previous year. In addition to food, the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (+10,8%) and electronics (+6,4%) also saw gains. The most significant declines were recorded in electricity, gas, and steam (-9,4%), chemicals (-2,7%), and rubber and plastic products (-1,6%). The picture thus confirms the food industry's ability to maintain above-average growth, strengthening its role as a countercyclical and resilient sector.
