An upswing in export orders for Italian woodworking machinery has come as a ray of sunshine for manufacturers suffering from downbeat market conditions, according to Acimall (the Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association).
New data from Italy’s National Institute of Statistics shows machinery exports grew by 5.4% to e270.7m during the first quarter of 2004, compared to the same period a year before.
Acimall said the figures give room for optimism, especially as exports contracted by 13% during 2003.
Growth markets included the Middle and Far East, up 82.7% and 24.1% respectively during the first quarter, while eastern European exports rose by 14.5%. A 4.6% increase within the EU may herald a possible recovery in the region, says Acimall.
Imports were 5.1% less than the corresponding period in 2003, with German machinery recording a 20% dip on the Italian market.
