Ceramic machinery industry reports double-figure growth in first nine months

The encouraging results published by the Study Centre of Acimac (Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers’ association) reflect the industry’s position as one of the major Italian export sectors and the world leader in terms of technological innovation and presence in international markets.

The sector companies, concentrated prevalently in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, reported 26.4% growth in turnover in the first nine months of 2011 over the same period in 2010. Sales are driven by the strong performance in international markets, where the sector generates more than 85% of its turnover. Third quarter results were also positive in the Italian market, where for the first time a genuine trend reversal was seen with respect to previous months.

The pie chart for the main export markets continues to be divided into fairly uniform slices, allowing the sector to offset falls in some areas with increases in others during this period of turbulence in various world markets. For example, the contraction prompted by social unrest in a number of major North African countries has at least for the time being been offset by a substantial recovery in exports towards southeast Asia. This result also demonstrates the renewed interest in Italian technologies in an area dominated by Chinese competition.

But in spite of these excellent results, the outlook remains cautious for the coming months. As of the second half of the year, there has been a slowdown in turnover growth and orders in the largest world markets. This trend is perfectly in keeping with the macroeconomic forecasts and prompts expectations that growth in the sector will continue to slow in the first half of 2012.