In the first 9 months of 2001, Italy demonstrated a negative trade balance in cut-flowers of Euro 35 million according to ISMEA on the elaboration of ISTAT data. Import value stood at Euro 103 million (+1% by volume) and exports at Euro 68 million (-3.7% by volume). The trade deficit showed an increase of 7% on the previous year’s deficit consolidating a downward trend starting in 1997. Other sectors of ornamental horticulture in Italy, however, are holding up well providing a positive overall trade balance of Euro 97.6 million. In particular exports of cut-foliage and indoor and outdoor plants have been showing postive increases of about 7-8%. ISMEA tel. 06 85561204