The index of orders intake for Italian textile machinery, as compiled by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), fell by 47% for the period April-June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, with orders falling both abroad and in Italy.

A 44% decrease in orders was recorded on foreign markets, whereas the domestic market showed a 62% drop compared to the second quarter of the previous year.

“The lockdown of production units in April heavily influenced the orders intake, and a deep concern remains for the upcoming months,” commented Alessandro Zucchi, President of ACIMIT. “On reopening, our manufacturers worked to process orders collected prior to the lockdown.”

It is believed that the restart has been slow due to a marked slowdown in apparel consumption in Europe and the United States - where it does not lead to new investments from customers. In addition, the unknown factor of a possible resurgence of the virus in next Autumn is further curbing the purchase of new machinery.

Focusing on digitalization and internationalization is fundamental for relaunching the sector. In partnership with the Politecnico University of Milan, ACIMIT has launched a project that aims to create a digital label for Italian textile machinery.

“This will allow our machinery to present itself on global markets with a cutting-edge technological offer. As far as our efforts geared towards internationalization are concerned, the support that the Italian Trade Agency is lending to our sector with remote activities is commendable, in making up for the void created by the cancellation of numerous promotional initiatives that had been planned for 2020,” added Zucchi.

ACIMIT represents an industrial sector that comprises roughly 300 manufacturers, which produce machinery for an overall worth of around €2.2 billion, of which 82% are exported.