For the fourth quarter orders for Italian textile machinery fell by 35 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year, says ACIMIT.

The drop from orders abroad was 17 percent while orders collected in Italy were 28 per cent lower than the figures drawn up in 2021.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, with its related consequences on daily business and trade, and a macroeconomic framework in which uncertainty prevails, have further negatively affected the orders intake. However declining energy prices and a slight fall in inflationare signs of improvement in the business of companies in the sector.

This proves that Italian companies have been capable of responding quickly to new market conditions, as has often happened in other historical periods. However, difficulties remain particularly in the areas of digitalization and sustainability. Creativity, sustainable technology, reliability and quality are the characteristics which have made Italy a global leader in the manufacturing of textile machinery.

Exports amount to more than 86 per cent of total sales. And 30 per cent of Italy’s revenue from the sale of textile machinery derives from the production of technical and innovative textiles. Manufacturers are looking forward to the textile machinery trade show Itma which will be held in Italy, June 8 to 14, 2023.