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.