Expected expansion of Italian companies’ presence in Libya
LIBYA – An economic report predicted an expanded presence of Italian companies at Libyan trade fairs, driven by rapid growth in trade and rising demand for Italian products across several sectors.
Demand extends beyond energy, agriculture and construction
The report, published by the Italian agency Nova and whose main economic findings Al-Marsad followed, said the sectors in focus now go beyond energy, agriculture and construction, amid strong activity in Libya’s construction sector, according to reports from the Italian Trade Agency.
Projects in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata
According to the report, redevelopment projects and new construction stand out in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata, alongside projects to develop industrial zones and strategic infrastructure.
Demand for design, engineering, air conditioning and water treatment
The report added that demand is not limited to materials and machinery, but also includes design, architectural and civil engineering, air-conditioning systems and water treatment.
€3.627 billion over four months
The report noted that the volume of trade between Italy and Libya in the first four months of 2026 reached about €3.627 billion, compared with €2 billion in the same period of 2025, an increase of 29.5%.
Italian exports rise 84.5%
It added that Italian exports nearly doubled from €545 million to €1.005 billion, an increase of 84.5%.
Imports from Libya rise 16.3%
By contrast, Italian imports from Libya rose by 16.3% from a level of €2.255 billion, with the report noting that the first four months of the year saw Italy become Libya’s main supplier.
Italian market share reaches 16.5%
The report said Italy’s market share in Libya reached 16.5%, with exports including refining products, ships, cabling equipment and agri-food products.
Italy rose from third place
It noted that Italy ranked third in 2025 with a share of only 10%, while Rome at the same time remained a main market for Libyan exports, which consist mostly of gas and oil.
