Italy's export increased by 11% 2011- 2015 (as of July) as it benefited from two major macroeconomic developments: the global recovery and the depreciation of the Euro. Beyond the EU common market, the United States continue to be Italy's first strategic trade partner due to its higher-than-average willingness to spend its growing purchasing power on Italian products and its appreciating currency. Furthermore, in view of the emerging economies' current slowdown, trade relations with the United States and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are set to be of critical importance for the success of the "Special Export Plan" announced by the Italian Government.