An economic report by the “Nova” agency revealed a decline in the value of trade between Italy and Libya to 4.76 billion euros between January and June 2025, compared to 6.02 billion euros in the same period of 2024, a drop of nearly 21%.
The report attributed the decrease to a decline in imports of the two main components of bilateral trade, oil and gas, with a “partial rebalancing” of the trade balance in Italy’s favor. Rome’s imports from Libya—mostly energy—decreased by 25.3% in value: from 4.25 billion euros in the first half of 2024 to 3.17 billion in 2025. Crude oil was more affected, as its supplies dropped to about 3.3 billion euros, while the value of gas imports increased by about 267 million euros (nearly 25%) compared to 2024.
Italian exports to Libya decreased by 14.4% to about 1.65 billion euros. Refined products—one of the main commodities—amounted to 354 million euros, a 22% decrease. Multipurpose machinery recorded 41 million euros (–6%), while wire components jumped 52% to 64 million euros. Processed food products and beverages reached about 65 million euros, a slight decrease from 2024, and pharmaceuticals dropped 4% to 16 million euros, while automobiles increased by 23% to 23 million euros.
Although the trade balance remained negative for Italy, the deficit improved from about 2.25 billion euros in the first half of 2024 to approximately 2.7 billion euros in 2025, thanks to imports decreasing at a faster rate than exports. The trade slowdown reflects a contraction in the energy sector, which usually constitutes more than 80% of the value of bilateral exchanges, while some Italian manufacturing sectors—such as machinery, electrical components, and automobiles—show resilience, supported by reconstruction and modernization projects in Libya.
The report concluded by affirming that the decline does not change Italy’s position as a key trade partner for Libya, with expectations that resilient industrial sectors will maintain momentum, supported by demand related to projects within the Libyan market.