ACIMIT: Textile Machinery Orders Down 20% in Q3 2023
In the third quarter of 2023, the index of textile machinery orders, processed by the Research Office of ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), showed a significant decline of 20% when compared to the same period in 2022. The index was reported at 84.2 points, with a base year of 2015 set at 100.
This decline in the index is primarily attributed to a decrease in order collections from both the Italian market and foreign markets. Orders in Italy saw a substantial reduction of 45%, while orders from abroad experienced a 13% drop. The absolute value of the index for foreign markets was 80.5 points, whereas in Italy, it was higher at 119.4 points. In the third quarter, the order book represented 3.7 months of assured production.
Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, expressed his concerns about the situation. He noted that the Italian market has been experiencing a continuous decline for seven consecutive periods, and urgent measures are required to enhance the competitiveness of Italian companies. While the draft of the Budget Law approved by the Government includes the refinancing of Sabatini, it lacks the Transition 5.0 plan. Salvadè hopes that European funds allocated for the implementation of this plan will be released promptly to facilitate the digital and sustainable transition needed to revive the Italian market.
Regarding foreign markets, the orders index reflects a global weak demand for textile machinery. Italian exports have slowed down in critical markets such as Turkey, China, and the United States in the first half of 2023. This situation is influenced by the negative global economic outlook, reduced consumer purchasing power, and a consequent slowdown in investments in the textile sector.
In less than a month, from 19 to 23 November, ITMA ASIA + CITME, a major trade fair in the textile machinery sector, will take place in Shanghai, with the participation of around 60 Italian manufacturers. This event will provide crucial insights into the sector’s health in one of the strategic markets for textile machinery demand.
