In recent years, Italy and China have maintained a strong economic relationship despite Italy’s shift away from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Beijing highlighted Italy’s intention to continue fostering cooperation, with a focus on high-value sectors and enhancing trade.

An initial surge in freight prices — prompted by ships taking the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope — petered out in March, yet prices have now surged even higher