Confapi, the Italian confederation representing small and medium-sized private industrial companies, is opening a new path for its members to grow in the United States. Announced on October 13, 2026, Confapi Usa is an operational platform designed to help the organization’s network of 118,000 businesses establish a stronger American presence.
The initiative builds on a trade relationship. Italian exports to the United States reached €69.6 billion in 2025, increasing 7.2% from the previous year. America remains Italy’s largest export market outside the European Union, while Italian products account for approximately 2.34% of total U.S. imports – a share that suggests room for further expansion.
For smaller manufacturers, reaching American customers involves more than shipping products overseas. Companies need reliable distributors, knowledge of local regulations, sound tax advice, and efficient arrangements for customs, transportation, and warehousing.
Confapi Usa aims to bring these resources together through flexible support tailored to each company’s experience and commercial goals. Planned services include market research, business matchmaking, meetings with potential partners, trade missions, and legal and tax assistance. The platform also emphasizes local networking and ongoing operational support.
President Cristian Camisa sees the initiative as a way to help industrial businesses diversify their strategies and strengthen their position amid international uncertainty.
By pooling expertise and building connections, Confapi seeks to make American expansion more manageable for smaller Italian companies. The platform offers a foundation for lasting partnerships, helping businesses turn Italy’s manufacturing strengths into opportunities across the Atlantic and build relationships with American buyers over time.
