Data refer to 2012 for the business structure and economic activities carried out abroad by Italian-controlled enterprises, and to 2013-2014 for new investments abroad with a majority share, including information on their geographical and business functions breakdown.
In 2012, 21,830 Italian foreign affiliates operated in more than 160 countries. These enterprises employed more than 1.7 million persons, and generated a turnover of 546 billion euros. The economic relevance of these enterprises, as compared to resident businesses, was equal to 14.8% of turnover, and 18.1% of turnover excluding the purchase of goods and services, considering this latter variable a rough proxy for value added.
Italian foreign affiliates in manufacturing accounted for almost 6,400 enterprises, representing slightly more than a half of Italian affiliates active in non-financial services. However, their relevance as compared to resident businesses is remarkable than non-financial services.
Industrial activities carried out abroad by MNEs were more remarkable in United States (124 thousands employed by Italian affiliates), Romania (89 thousands persons), Brazil (88 thousands) and China (75 thousands), while services activities carried out abroad by MNEs were mainly located in the United States (102 thousands) and Germany (74 thousands).
Labour cost per capita in Italian foreign affiliates was particularly low in China (6.5 thousand euro), India (6.5 thousand euro), Romania (7.0 thousand euro) while it is higher in the France (56.8 thousand euro), United States (50.8 thousand euro) and United Kingdom (50.7 thousand euro).
For more details please refer to the Italian version.