ITPLAST Ottobre 2024 | Page 18

ECONOMY AND MARKET
Tab . Italian market of machinery , equipment and moulds for plastics and rubber ( million euros )
2022 2023 Δ % 2023 / 2022 production 4,670 4,800 2.8 export 3,240 3,590 10.8 import 1,090 1,120 2.8 domestic market 2,520 2,330 -7.5 trade balance 2,150 2,470 14.9 aly ’ s two main competitors – reveals that their respective exports of machinery for plastics and rubber registered increases of 7.5 % and 12.9 % compared to 2022 . Even when looking at the past decade , Italy ’ s performance lies somewhere between that of its two primary competitors , totalling an average of 3.5 %, compared to Germany ’ s 2.9 % and China ’ s 9.0 %. However , it is undeniable that the commercial pressure from China has been steadily intensifying over the past decade across all major geographical regions . At Chinaplas , held from 23 to 26 April , it was all the more evident that Chinese technology is advancing at a quick pace . This serves as an impetus for Italy to leverage its unique ability to develop increasingly innovative , flexible , and naturally performing solutions – also in terms of energy efficiency . The 2023 financial report for Amaplast member companies is in line with that of the entire sector : the association noted a revenue growth of 2.4 % – not as strong as the one registered over the previous two years , but significant still . Additionally , there was a modest increase ( 1.1 %) in the workforce . While core-machinery ( primary processing equipment ) production has registered a slowdown , the production of auxiliary and downstream equipment , components , and moulds has continued to show a significant increase .
Italian technology plast / October 2024
Massimo Margaglione , president of Amaplast
able growth of nearly eleven percentage points compared to 2022 . Italian manufacturers of plastic and rubber machinery experienced particularly strong sales in key markets such as the European Union (+ 9 % over 2022 ), North America (+ 18 %), and Asia (+ 8 %, with the Middle East up by 50 % and the Far East down by 1 %). Though with smaller shares , South America also
registered a 23 % increase . In the top ten export markets for Italian manufacturers , notably positive results have been observed in France , Spain , and Romania , as well as in Mexico and Turkey . Only Poland and India showed declines , despite both having enjoyed very favourable trends in previous periods . The comparison with Germany and China – It-
FORECASTS As mentioned , the trend among the sector – mirroring that of the industry generally and the capital goods sector – cooled down over the final months of 2023 but more encouraging signs were observed in April and May . Nevertheless , forecasts for the upcoming months are rather cautious : many companies will find it challenging to achieve further growth , and a period of stabilization and transition is to be expected . Domestic demand , in particular , may remain weak due to uncertainties surrounding the effective implementation of Transizione 5.0 measures . President Margaglione expressed his thoughts on the matter : “ A justified sense of concern has spread among entrepreneurs of the sector , but I for one am optimistic : not because it is philosophically better to speak of the good rather than the bad , nor because of that corporate mindset that sometimes tells us to conceal negativity , but because , despite our flaws and shortcomings , we never fail to showcase truly exceptional ingenuity thanks to our unparalleled creativity , our vigorous entrepreneurship , and an extremely diverse and dynamic business fabric .”
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