The order index for Italian textile machinery, as compiled by ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), for the period from January to March 2018 dropped 12% compared to the same quarter of 2017. The value of the index came in at 104.8 points (basis: 2015=100).
This decline mainly affected orders for the domestic market, for which the index came in at an absolute value of 94.1 points, or 22% less than the first quarter of 2017. In foreign markets, the drop was more contained (down 9%), and the absolute value of the index registered 107.2 points.
ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi does not appear to be too worried by these results, saying, “In Italy, we had a rebound effect following heavy investments made during 2017. The first three months of this year were characterized by a physiological slowdown that doesn’t concern our manufacturers who are used to processing an order portfolio of over four months.”
Even abroad, the situation is still considered positive. “Last year, orders were satisfactory abroad as well,” continues the ACIMIT President. “For 2018, conditions remain for consolidating the growth trend, as evidenced by the good results obtained at recent trade fairs held in several countries, at which many of our manufacturers participated.”