Preliminary 2010 data drawn up by ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) is said to show that a decisive recovery is under way for Italy’s textile machinery sector, in the wake of a 2009 which had been marked by a conspicuous drop in production.

 In terms of value, Italy’s textile machinery production recorded an 18% increase on 2009, from 1.9 to 2.3 billion Euros. Exports drew a similarly favourable increase, at +19%, reaching a value of just under 1.8 billion Euros.

“Obviously, these gains in sales and orders are a physiological consequence of the minimum levels of the previous two-year period. However, it does underscore a general reprise in demand for textile machinery across many geographical areas, materializing during the first part of 2010,” an ACIMIT spokesperson said.

The demand for Italian machinery was mostly driven by the world’s major markets, with sales showing double digit growth percentages in China, India and Turkey. Overall, Italian exports are said to have obtained positive performances on all primary textile manufacturing markets; Asia and South America representing the driving forces for global demand.

The domestic market also recorded a more dynamic trend compared to the 2008-2009 period. Domestic demand jumped by 27% on previous year, on a turnover of close to one billion Euros.

“These preliminary closing data are no doubt encouraging,” commented ACIMIT’s President Sandro Salmoiraghi, “But a deep sense of uncertainty remains regarding the global scenario.”

A study commissioned by ACIMIT during the firast quarter of 2011, shows that order forecasts remain cautious painting a picture that is stationary compared to the last quarter of 2010, for both foreign and domestic markets.