In the first quarter of 2024, Italian exports of fresh fruit and vegetables grew by 2.5% in value and 1.6% in volume compared to the previous year, despite a significant rise in imports leading to a trade deficit. Citrus fruits performed well, while fresh fruit volumes dropped due to issues with pears and kiwis. Tubers, vegetables, and legumes saw volume growth but a slight value decline. Dried fruit exports continued to fall, whereas tropical fruit exports surged. Apples maintained their value despite lower volumes, and kiwis increased in value despite production challenges. Pear exports suffered due to adverse conditions. The focus on new, consistently high-quality varieties is essential for future export growth, though international tensions and the Egyptian currency crisis present challenges.