How did Italy’s membership in the European Economic Community increase trade?

Membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), which Italy joined in 1957, served as the most significant economic factor in the country's post-World War II trade development.1

By integrating Italy into a broader European market, EEC membership increased the country's potential for trade and acted as a catalyst for rapid economic growth. This integration allowed Italy to transition from a largely agricultural nation into a dynamic industrial power, facilitating the export of goods from its burgeoning metal and engineering sectors, such as automobiles, as well as textiles and leather goods.12

While this membership fostered significant expansion, it also introduced challenges, such as increased competition for Mediterranean agricultural products following the later accession of other nations like Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Ultimately, trade with other European Union members grew to account for more than half of Italy’s total transactions.1