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How can we help you do business in the Republic of San Marino?
The Republic of San Marino is a small city-state with an economy based on manufacturing, tourism and commerce based. This small country may provide some interesting niche markets for American companies and the U.S. Commercial Service would like to help your firm discover San Marino and the opportunities it may offer.

The Economy
Approximately, 3 million tourists visit San Marino each year and the tourism sector accounts for almost 50 percent of the republic’s income. Other key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita income and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy. In addition, San Marino maintains the lowest unemployment rate in Europe and no national debt.

Manufacturing and Agriculture
In common with many other small cities in the surrounding Italian regions, San Marino has important tourism and commercial sectors, but its manufacturing and financial activities are larger. While manufacturing employment is on a declining trend, it still accounts for more than 40 percent of total employment. San Marino manufactures and exports ceramics, tiles, furniture, clothing, paints, fabrics, and spirits/wines.

Today farming in San Marino focuses on grain, vines, and orchards, as well as animal husbandry (cattle and swine).

Financial Sector
According to the data of the International Monetary Fund, the Sammarinese financial sector accounts for only 4 percent of private employment but its salaries and profits are, respectively, 10 and 16 percent of the total. The size of the Sammarinese financial system in percent of GDP is large by international standards, although the system is smaller than those of Offshore Financial Centers including Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and the Cayman Islands. In 2003, nonresidents’ funds were US$6.6 billion, corresponding to about half of deposits and 60 percent of managed funds.

International Trade
According to the World Trade Center Association, “fast connections, ease of movement, nearness to Milan and the beauty of its territory, set between Emilia Romagna and The Marches, make the Republic an actual center of propulsion for business and the economy.� The World Trade Center opened in San Marino in June 2004 in a building project created by renowned architect Norman Foster and will serve to attract trade and business to the tiny Republic. San Marino has a central location and much experience with international trade. The republic imports most of its food and consumer goods and its largest trading partners are Italy (85%), other EU countries, China, and the United States.

At Your Service
Whether your company is interested in commercial contacts or government procurement in this small country, the U.S. Commercial Service can help. We provide a range of services to American firms interested in doing business overseas, as well as to San Marino firms interested in importing U.S. products and services. Our trade specialists can assist you in identifying and local and in obtaining market research. For more information, please contact us at:

U.S. Commercial Service
American Consulate General
Tel. + 39 055 292266 Fax + 39 055 283780
Email: barbara.lapini@mail.doc.gov

Useful Links:
United States Department of Commerce (http://www.commerce.gov)
World Trade Center of San Marino (http://www.wtcsanmarino.com/)
Virtual Trade Center of San Marino (http://wwwtradecenter.sm)