International Trade and Sustainability of Italian Companies

This research paper presents an analytical exploration of Italy's green trade from 2008 to 2019, particularly emphasizing the import and export dynamics of green goods. The analysis is underpinned by a robust classification system that utilizes the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for green goods and services, and the Harmonized System (HS) codes for environmental goods. These classifications enable a precise delineation of green trade activities, ensuring that the data reflects true green trade flows. Employing the Intrastat data system, this study methodically tracks the trends in trade balances, focusing exclusively on quantifying the changes without inferring the impact of policy shifts. This approach allows for a clear assessment of trade patterns based solely on market behaviors and industry developments. The paper assumes a steady growth in environmental awareness and technology adoption, which influences the trade dynamics of green goods. Through this detailed analysis, the study provides insights into the structural dynamics of Italy's green trade, highlighting the reliance on imported technologies and the burgeoning export of domestically produced green goods. It illustrates the critical role of international trade in shaping Italy's environmental and economic landscape, suggesting a pivotal position for Italy in the global green trade network. This work adds to the discourse on sustainable economic development by mapping out the trajectory of green trade in Italy, and underscores the importance of refined classification systems in understanding trade impacts on environmental sustainability.