From the 17th century to today, from Louis XIV to Donald Trump, exporting has remained a timeless priority. But why do exports hold such a special place in economic policy debates? Why is export growth met with enthusiasm, while import growth often raises concerns? And why is it important to discuss exports in Italy today? Despite the critical role exports continue to play in our economy, complacency is not an option: Italy's exports are increasingly concentrated in low-tech categories. Will this be enough to secure a prosperous future? Given the urgency and scale of industrial policies worldwide, this seems doubtful.