Italian regional industrial sector developments

The industrial landscape in the Italian regions of Abruzzo and Molise is experiencing divergent trends across different sectors.

In the automotive industry, regional governments have requested that the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy recognize their territory as a complex industrial crisis area. This request follows a significant decline in the sector, particularly in Molise where automotive exports account for 32% of the regional total. Reports indicate that over 1,200 jobs have been lost in the Molise automotive industry, and production at the Stellantis plant in Termoli has reportedly dropped by 60% compared to 2015. To address these “noteworthy job losses,” officials have proposed an Industrial Reconversion and Redevelopment Plan to promote innovation and reduce dependence on single large clients.

Conversely, the textile, clothing, and footwear sector in Abruzzo has demonstrated more resilience than the national average. While the number of companies in this sector decreased by 12.4% between 2019 and 2025, regional exports reached 482 million euros. However, this sector faces labor challenges, with regional officials noting that 62.8% of sought professional roles are difficult to fill.