SHANGHAI--Against the backdrop of the Shanghai Optical fair here and with the Euro at its highest levels versus the U.S. dollar, Italian eyewear exports are up for the first 9 months of 2007, according to ANFAO, the Italian manufacturers’ association, which reported more than 61 million pairs of eyewear exported during the period.

Italian eyewear exports rose 14.2 percent in the first 9 months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2005, up by 5.4 percent compared to 2006, while exports to the U.S. for the period rose 7.9 percent over the prior year, according to ANFAO’s figures.

In terms of overall performance, sunglass exports rose highest, by 15.6 percent, passing the €1.136 million mark while exports of optical frames posted an 11.1 percent increase, valued at more than €548 million.

Imports into Italy also rose overall by 8.4 percent, totaling €509 million for the first 9 months of 2007, the statement said.

Also citing opportunities in the growing China and Asian markets, the report noted that during the first 9 months of 2007, 13.5 percent of total exports of Italian eyewear frames/sunglasses were directed to Asia, with an 11.5 percent increase over the same period in 2006, exceeding €226 million.

Overall, China currently ranks 20th for exports of Italian eyewear frames and sunglasses, equal to about €20 million in the first 9 months of 2007. “This market share is definitely still small, but the growth rates and potential of the area are very promising,” the report said.

Central Asia also posted healthy performance levels with an increase of 36.8 percent for the January-September 2007 period.

The report also cited Italian eyewear’s business with Central and Southern America where exports leaped 42.7 percent. ■