How can we help you do business in the Republic of San Marino?
The Republic of San Marino is a small country with an economy based on manufacturing, tourism and commerce. San Marino 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 offers.

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, clothing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Its main agricultural products are wine and cheese. 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 cities in the surrounding region, San Marino has important tourism and commercial sectors, but its manufacturing and financial activities are substantially 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 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
The World Trade Center Association cites San Marino's traditional ties to the region, the ease of movement within and around the country, its proximity to major centers such as Milan, and the natural beauty of its location as factors that contribute to business opportunities there. San Marino's World Trade Center opened in June 2004 in a new building designed by world-renowned architect Norman Forster. The Center will help attract trade and business to the republic, which has a long tradition in international trade. San Marino imports most of its food and consumer goods and its largest trading partners are Italy (85%) and other EU countries, China and the United States.

At Your Service
Whether your company is interested in commercial contacts or government procurement in San Marino, 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:

Useful Links:
United States Commercial Service (www.buyusa.gov/italy/en)
United States Department of Commerce (http://www.commerce.gov)
EducationUSA (http://educationusa.state.gov)
World Trade Center of San Marino (http://www.wtcsanmarino.com)
Virtual Trade Center of San Marino (http://www.tradecenter.sm)

back to top ^