Exports remain crucial for Italian ceramic technology

In 2011 the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers consolidated their shares in all international markets, exceeding pre-crisis values with total exports of 1,387.5 million euro (31.3% up on 2010). The Middle East topped the outlet market rankings with 20.5% of export turnover (284 million euro). In second place came the European Union with 233.3 million euro (16.8% of the total). This was followed by Others Asia with 215 million euro (15.5%), then South America with 11.9% of the total. East Asia (China, Taiwan and Hong Kong) dropped in the rankings with a 19.4% fall in turnover and an 11.8% share of total exports. Eastern Europe saw a 50% rise in turnover (8.9% of the total), while Africa held just a 7.8% share. North America and Oceania occupied the last two places (respectively 6.6% and 0.3% of the total) but showed strong turnover growth (116% and 321.4% respectively).