The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and the growing instability of energy markets risk having significant effects on the Sicilian economy as well. This is what emerges from the analysis of the Confartigianato research office on trade with the countries of the Middle Eastern area. In 2025, Sicily’s exports to the Middle Eastern markets reached 481 million euros, however recording a decrease of 25.3 percent compared to the previous year. A figure that highlights the vulnerability of regional businesses to international tensions and market volatility, particularly in a context characterized by rising energy costs and uncertainty in global demand. Within the region, Syracuse confirms itself as the province with the largest volume of exports to countries in the Middle East area, with 369 million euros, despite recording a decline of 26.1 percent.
Catania follows with 40 million euros (-10.3 percent) and Messina with 25 million euros (-13.1 percent). Different dynamics are recorded among the other Sicilian provinces: Palermo shows significant growth with 13 million euros of exports and an increase of 42.5 percent, while Agrigento grows by 20.5 percent with 5 million euros. Ragusa marks a smaller increase (+4.6 percent) with 14 million euros. Trapani (-60.2 percent), Caltanissetta (-77 percent) and Enna, on the other hand, recorded a sharp decline in exports to the markets of the area, below one million euros and 81.8 percent lower in 2025 compared to 2024.