CNA study: Counterfeiting poses serious threat to Italian SMEs

A study conducted by the CNA Research Area in collaboration with CNA Federmoda, titled ‘Defending Made in Italy’, reveals that counterfeiting has become a significant economic emergency for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the data, 93.4% of entrepreneurs consider the phenomenon serious, with 67.5% describing it as ‘very serious’ and 25.9% labeling it a true emergency.

The impact is particularly acute in the province of Pesaro e Urbino, a region heavily reliant on manufacturing, textiles, and artisanal subcontracting. The digital landscape has shifted the nature of the threat; 72.8% of entrepreneurs believe the growth of e-commerce has facilitated the spread of counterfeit goods. While price differentials remain the primary driver for consumers purchasing fakes (68.1%), the web is increasingly seen as a major engine for the trade.

Local businesses report direct consequences, with 52.5% of respondents having had direct or indirect contact with counterfeit products. Furthermore, nearly 70% have reported instances of unfair competition through the imitation of their production. In the industrial and small manufacturing sectors, over 30% of companies report a continuous and high economic impact on their operations.