For the second quarter of 2014, the textile machinery orders index elaborated by the research department at ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), recorded a 6% increase compared to the previous quarter, for an absolute value of 86 points (basis: 2010=100). (See Graph)
This growth in orders came entirely from the foreign markets, for which an increase of 8% was recorded for the period from April to June, with the industry index of 92.1 points. For its part, the domestic market showed a decline in order intake for the second quarter (-9% over the previous quarter), after a start of the year that appeared more dynamic.
“Following a less than positive first quarter, foreign demand now appears to be experiencing a resurgence.” comments ACIMIT President Raffaella Carabelli, “We were able to ascertain this at the recent ITMA Asia, held in June in Shanghai. The numerous contacts that came in, not just from China but also from other southeast Asian Countries, reflect a willingness on the part of investors to revitalize their operations, in an area that is so important for our sector.”
Data from ISTAT relative to Italian exports of textile machinery elaborated by ACIMIT also pointed to a 9% increase for the year’s first quarter compared to 2013. Sales of Italian machinery are still in decline in China (-3%) and India (-13%), but growth has been recorded in other primary export markets: Turkey (+24%), United States (+46%), Bangladesh (+37%).
However, statistics from the domestic market are not at all encouraging, and a comparison with the previous quarter shows a marked deficit. “We’re still confident that the upcoming edition of ITMA, the industry’s premier trade event, to be held in Milan from 12 - 19 November 2015, will serve to kick-start growth for the entire sector,” adds ACIMIT’s President.
Regarding ITMA 2015, a total of 336 Italian machinery manufacturers have currently already confirmed their participation, for a 32% increase in terms of surface area, compared to the previous edition held in Barcelona in 2011.
