Oroarezzo 2026: Navigating New Global Jewelry Markets for Export Growth

Oroarezzo 2026 is poised to redefine the landscape for Italian jewelry exports by focusing on novel business opportunities and emerging markets. This Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) event, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of 'Made in Italy' jewelry craftsmanship, is set to strengthen its international role as a platform for growth. A key highlight will be the inaugural "The Global Outlook 2026" conference, scheduled for May 11th, which will delve into new dynamics within the gold and jewelry sector, offering insights into key growth regions and shifts in global demand. The conference aims to provide tangible strategies for companies to diversify their export endeavors, navigating an increasingly unpredictable global economic climate.

The conference agenda includes discussions on various pivotal regions. Experts will explore the implications of the free trade agreement between the European Union and India, analyze trade pathways to France and Switzerland, and examine the intricacies of the supply chain connecting the United States and Canada. Furthermore, significant attention will be given to the burgeoning opportunities within the African continent, recognizing its increasing importance as a consumer of high-end goods. This comprehensive approach seeks to equip Italian businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to tap into these diverse markets effectively.

Organized in collaboration with influential trade organizations such as Confindustria Federorafi and AFEMO, along with governmental bodies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the event benefits from a wide spectrum of expertise. Contributions from the Confindustria Research Center, IC&Partners, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterranean, and SACE will enrich the discussions, focusing on practical solutions for businesses. The overarching goal is to facilitate the identification of new demand currents and support companies in their efforts to diversify exports, particularly in light of the current global uncertainties.

Matteo Farsura, head of IEG’s jewelry trade shows, emphasized the continued investment in Oroarezzo as a platform for expertise and strategic vision. He highlighted the critical need for a systemic response in a complex environment, stressing the importance of synergies among companies, associations, and institutions to guide the sector towards new export avenues and sustainable growth. Maria Cristina Squarcialupi, president of Confindustria Federorafi, acknowledged the extraordinarily complex international situation facing the Italian jewelry industry in 2026, citing record metal prices and export slowdowns in traditional markets like Turkey, the UAE, and the U.S. She underlined the importance of exploring new markets, particularly in Africa, and leveraging public resources from ITA and SACE to support internationalization efforts.

Giordana Giordini, president of Confindustria Federorafi South Tuscany, echoed these sentiments, noting that Arezzo, a major Italian jewelry district, is particularly vulnerable to market turbulence in key export destinations. She urged companies to equip themselves to understand emerging markets like Africa and utilize resources from SACE and ICE to enhance their penetration into both mature and newly industrialized regions. Massimo Poliero, President of AFEMO, spoke about a new phase for the jewelry industry where anticipating markets is paramount. He emphasized that global dynamics are reshaping value chains, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovators. "The Global Outlook 2026" is designed to provide not just analysis but also practical tools to interpret change and transform it into a competitive advantage, advocating for an advanced, informed, and future-oriented approach to 'Made in Italy' international positioning.

Ciro Rapacciuolo, Senior Economist at Confindustria Research Center, is set to present an economic overview, discussing the implications of various scenarios for the jewelry sector, including the impact of geopolitical conflicts on energy costs and inflation. Roberto Corciulo, founder and CEO of IC&Partners, will detail geographical focuses, including jewelry hubs in France and Switzerland, supply chains in the U.S. and Canada, and the effects of EU trade agreements with India and Mercosur. He pointed out that global gold imports surpassed 800 billion euros in 2025, confirming gold's role as a safe-haven asset amidst economic and geopolitical instability, and necessitating export diversification, especially away from risk-prone traditional destinations like the Gulf region. The EU-India agreement, effective January 27, 2026, and the upcoming Mercosur agreement are expected to significantly reduce tariffs, creating substantial savings and opportunities for Italian-made products.

Patrizia Mauro, General Manager of Confindustria Assafrica & the Mediterranean, shed light on the promising opportunities in Africa, where a growing middle class and traditional preference for gold are driving a rapidly expanding jewelry market. While acknowledging greater challenges compared to more mature markets, she stressed that long-term vision, local presence, and reliable partners are crucial for success in Africa. Trade shows are highlighted as effective platforms for engagement with local stakeholders. Fabio Colombo, Manager at Centre Italy Sales PMI SACE, concluded by reaffirming SACE's commitment as a strategic partner, offering insurance and financial solutions to strengthen the Italian jewelry sector's competitiveness and support growth in diverse international markets, particularly in times of high market volatility and geopolitical complexity.

In essence, Oroarezzo 2026 is positioning itself as an essential event for the Italian jewelry industry, offering a forward-looking perspective on global market dynamics. Through collaborative efforts and expert insights, the event aims to equip businesses with the necessary strategies and tools to navigate new trade routes, capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and reinforce the international standing of Italian craftsmanship.