FROM #15 TO #2: WHAT HAPPENED TO FLORENCE?
In 2019, Florence ranked 15th among Italian provinces by imports. Six years later, it is #2, behind only Milan.
Florence is my home city, internationally known for fashion, leather goods and luxury. These industries remain an important part of its international trade, but the biggest change in recent years has come from pharmaceuticals.
Pharma is not new to Florence. The area has long been home to major players such as Eli Lilly and Menarini, which have continued to invest and expand their manufacturing presence. Lilly, for example, has made significant investments in its Sesto Fiorentino site, further strengthening its role within the group’s global production network.
In 2025, Florence imported €27.2 billion of goods, almost twice the 2024 figure. At the same time, pharmaceutical exports reached €18.7 billion, more than half of the province’s total exports. These flows are closely connected: the local pharmaceutical industry is highly integrated into international supply chains, importing ingredients and other inputs for production and export.
So Florence’s rise to #2 also reflects the transformation and internationalisation of its production base. Fashion and luxury remain central to Florence’s identity, while pharmaceuticals are now a major part of its industrial landscape.
Eletta Vettori
Commenti