IMF Staff Country Reports

Italy: Selected Issues

Publication Date:

February 15, 2007

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This Selected Issues paper applies a range of methods to assess Italy’s competitiveness gap versus other euro area members. All indicators point to a clear erosion of competitiveness in recent years, with related market share losses. Nonetheless, the estimated competitiveness gap, while appreciable, still remains quantitatively contained. The results suggest that the unwinding of the competitiveness gap will require reforms that boost productivity growth and continued wage moderation, as well as an adjustment by export firms in Italy.

Series:

Country Report No. 2007/065

Subject:

Current spending Exchange rates Expenditure Exports Financial markets Financial sector development Fiscal risks Foreign exchange Securities markets