Liguria grows 0.9 percent as business lending contracts

The Bank of Italy estimates that Liguria's output increased 0.9 percent in the first half of 2026.

Exports rose 8.3 percent at current prices, or 10.0 percent excluding refined petroleum and shipbuilding.

Employment increased 1.6 percent, with female employment up 3.3 percent; unemployment fell to 4.7 percent from 5.2 percent a year earlier.

Construction hours rose just 0.1 percent, supported by major public works.

Recovery-plan payments reached €3.4 billion by June, about 60 percent of allocations.

Housing transactions increased 4.9 percent in the first half.

Tourist overnight stays rose 1.8 percent in January–September, but first-half port cargo volumes fell 1.3 percent.

The bank's survey found that 87 percent of firms anticipate a profit for 2026.

Business bank lending fell 3.7 percent year on year in June 2026, partly reflecting borrowing decisions by large holding companies, while corporate liquidity approached its 2023 peak.

Household borrowing from banks and finance companies rose 2.3 percent; mortgages increased 1.3 percent and consumer credit 4.8 percent.

New mortgage costs reached 3.82 percent in the second quarter, against 3.62 percent in late 2025.

The gross non-performing loan ratio eased to 2.9 percent in June.

Deposits rose 1.5 percent and securities held in custody increased 12.9 percent at market prices.