The index of orders intake for Italian textile machines compiled by ACIMIT, the umbrella organization of Italian textile machinery manufacturers, rose by 66 percent in the July-September 2021 period compared to the same period of the previous year, and the value of the index stood at 119.8 points (basis 2015=100). This growth concerned both Italian and foreign markets, with a 130 percent increase in domestic orders and a 54 percent increase in foreign orders compared to the same period of 2020. However, the order intake index dropped 17 percent compared to the previous quarter this year, mainly due to the summer break and a demand for machinery that has stabilized over the last few months.
Italian textile machinery manufacturers respond quickly to new market conditions
In his statement on the order figures for the July-September 2021 period, ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi explained that the numbers for new orders remain positive, in spite of a slight decline compared to the months prior to the summer period. Zucchi said; “This proves that Italian companies have been capable of responding quickly to new market conditions, as has often happened in other historical periods. The ability to adapt, coupled with remarkable flexibility, are part of our DNA as Italian businesses, not just in our specific sector”.
“We must continue on the path of digitalization and sustainability”
This positive moment for Italy’s textile machinery sector is expected to continue through to the year’s end, as ACIMIT’s analysis notes. Italian machinery manufacturers are forecasting an increase in the orders intake for the last quarter of the year, both abroad and domestically. Alessandro Zucchi stated that resumption in trade show attendance they have witnessed has improved the climate of confidence among companies and noted that the difficulties are not yet entirely behind them. Zucchi pointed out that it is necessary to make the most of this moment for this reason and said; “In particular, we must continue on the path of digitalization and sustainability”.
China and Turkey maintain leadership in the main market
According to ACIMIT’s statement regarding the January-August 2021 period, Italian textile machinery exports reached 1182 million Euros with an increase of 45 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. While imports recorded a value of 282 million euros with an annual increase of 20 percent, China and Turkey continued to be the main markets for Italian textile machinery manufacturers.