Trade between Italy and Libya rose sharply during the first seven months of 2026, reaching nearly €6.8 billion. Meanwhile, Russia’s fuel exports to Libya fell as the country expanded purchases from Mediterranean suppliers.
According to Business Insider Africa, bilateral trade increased by 44.9% compared with the same period in 2025.
Italian exports to Libya also more than doubled, highlighting stronger commercial ties between the two Mediterranean countries.
Italy–Libya trade reaches €6.8 billion
Italy and Libya recorded significant trade growth between January and July 2026.
Total bilateral trade reached nearly €6.8 billion, representing a 44.9% annual increase.
Meanwhile, Italian exports to Libya rose by 101.3% to €2.033 billion.
According to the report, Italy became Libya’s largest foreign trading partner and supplied 17% of the country’s imports.
Refined petroleum products accounted for 58.8% of Italian exports.
However, trade growth was not limited to energy products.
Italian companies also expanded sales of construction materials, furniture and consumer goods.
Italian businesses expand into Libya
The Italian Trade Agency reported growing demand for products outside the energy sector.
Metal construction materials accounted for 14.1% of Italian exports to Libya, worth approximately €285.9 million.
According to the Libya Observer, Libero Testori, director of the Italian Trade Agency’s Tripoli office, highlighted growing interest from companies involved in construction, furniture and design.
Consumer goods also attracted increasing commercial attention.
As a result, Italian businesses are seeking to expand their presence in Libya’s market.
The figures suggest that economic cooperation between the two countries is becoming more diverse.
Russian fuel exports to Libya decline
Russia has lost a significant share of Libya’s imported fuel market.
According to Reuters, Libya’s National Oil Corporation awarded major fuel supply contracts to international trading companies.
These included Vitol, Trafigura and TotalEnergies.
The agreements allow suppliers to deliver gasoline and diesel from Mediterranean refineries.
Consequently, Libya has reduced its reliance on Russian petroleum products.
Data from energy analytics company Kpler showed that Russian fuel exports to Libya fell to around 5,000 barrels per day in 2026.
That compares with approximately 56,000 barrels per day during 2024 and 2025.
The decline reflects a major change in Libya’s fuel supply arrangements.
Italy becomes Libya’s leading fuel supplier
Italy has strengthened its position in Libya’s energy market.
According to Reuters, Italy supplied around 59,000 barrels of fuel per day to Libya in 2026.
Much of this fuel came from the ISAB and Sarroch refineries.
Meanwhile, Libya’s shift toward Mediterranean suppliers has reduced Russia’s share of the market.
However, the figures do not establish that Russian companies have completely stopped supplying fuel to Libya.
Instead, they show a substantial decline in Russian shipments.
Libya’s trade relationships continue to evolve
The latest figures highlight changing commercial relationships in North Africa.
Italy has expanded its exports to Libya while strengthening its position in the country’s fuel market.
At the same time, Russian fuel shipments have fallen sharply.
For Libya, the shift reflects changes in procurement arrangements and growing trade with Mediterranean suppliers.
The available figures cover the first seven months of 2026, rather than the full year.
Further trade data will show whether Italy maintains its growth and whether Russia’s reduced market share continues.