# Emilia-Romagna economic and demographic trends > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/emilia-romagna-economic-and-demographic-trends > Updated: 2026-10-30T09:49:31.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. In the second quarter of 2026, the Emilia-Romagna region experienced varied economic shifts. Modena recorded the highest export growth among the region's three major industrial provinces, with foreign sales reaching nearly 5 billion euros, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. While total export values remained highest in Bologna, regional growth was driven significantly by a 32.8% increase in sales toward the Mercosur region, specifically Uruguay and Paraguay. This occurred despite a decline in exports to the United States and the Middle East. Simultaneously, regional reports addressed demographic stability, noting that approximately 600,000 foreign citizens, or nearly 13% of the population, reside in Emilia-Romagna. These residents are described as essential to sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism. Experts suggest that migration is a structural component of the economy and is vital to preventing significant population decline, as projections indicate the region could lose over 91,000 residents by 2045 without migratory flows. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: Emilia Romagna migration trends address demographic risks Migration is identified as a structural necessity for Emilia Romagna to counter demographic decline and support key economic sectors like agriculture and industry. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emilia-romagna-migration-trends-address-demographic-risks ### 2026-10-23: Modena leads export growth in Emilia-Romagna Modena leads export growth in Emilia-Romagna with a 6.1% increase in Q2 2026, driven by surging demand from Mercosur markets. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/modena-leads-export-growth-in-emilia-romagna --- Cite as: Emilia-Romagna economic and demographic trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/emilia-romagna-economic-and-demographic-trends