ACIMIT Urges Focus On ‘Made In Italy’ As Exports And Production Decline
At ACIMIT’s General Assembly held on 4 July at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, President Marco Salvadè stressed that enhancing the value of Made in Italy must be at the heart of the Italian textile machinery industry’s strategy in the years ahead.
Presenting the 2024 figures, Salvadè reported an 8% drop in production (€2.1 billion) and a 9% fall in exports (€1.8 billion) compared to 2023, mirroring global trends amid a fragile international landscape. China, Turkey, India, and the U.S. remained key markets, despite ongoing weak demand.
“Protectionist policies and geopolitical instability risk further slowing global investments in the textile and apparel sector,” Salvadè cautioned. “Any escalation in trade tensions could severely impact the entire supply chain.”
He called for urgent action to safeguard authentic Made in Italy, products truly designed and manufactured in Italy, known for their quality, innovation, and creativity.
The Assembly also marked ACIMIT’s 80th anniversary, a milestone Salvadè described as a moment for both reflection and renewed commitment. He noted that while the industry’s traditional strengths, innovation and internationalization remain vital, current global challenges demand a reassessment of strategies.
A roundtable during the public session focused on three key priorities: internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. Participants agreed that reinforcing Made in Italy, driving low-impact, cost-efficient innovations, and expanding in both mature and emerging markets are essential to maintaining Italy’s global leadership in textile machinery.
