Another positive quarter for italian woodworking machinery

The trend has really changed: for some time now, the atmosphere has been different in the business of technology for wood and wood-based materials. Further evidence comes from the periodical survey by the Studies office of Acimall, the Confindustria member association, showing that in the second quarter 2016 orders increased by 21.2 percent compared to the same period of last year. The positive trend of recent times is continuing, still driven by foreign markets, where orders went up by 17.2 percent. The development of Italian demand is also very good in relative terms (plus 30.4 percent), although it still suffers from the negative results recorded in the worst years of the crisis.

Once again we see remarkable difference between Italy and abroad, commented Dario Corbetta, Acimall director. The Italian market is growing at satisfactory rages, but we are still far from pre-crisis levels. Abroad, instead, we are already back to pre-2008 volumes and everything suggests that this trend will endure.

Optimism is welcome, although the figures provided by Acimall’s observatory must be interpreted correctly. Looking at the statements by our sample of companies, it is necessary to clarify some aspects, Corbetta adds. The excellent trend of Italian technology is more relevant for big groups, for the larger organizations. Therefore, our companies need to find a way to work together, to integrate, because only with bigger dimensions can they effectively approach new markets that offer real opportunities in this economic season. 

Back to Acimall survey figures, we can add that, on the whole, turnover variation compared to the first quarter 2016 is 9.9 percent: the orders book covers a period of 3 months, while prices have recorded 1.4 change since January 1st.

According to the quality survey, 47 percent of the interviewed companies indicate a positive production trend, 47 percent stable and 6 percent decreasing. Employment is stable according to 59 percent of the sample, increasing for 35 percent and decreasing for 6 percent. Available stocks are stationary according to 70 percent of interviewees, increasing for 18 percent and decreasing according to the remaining 12 percent.
 
The near-term outlook is illustrated by the forecast survey, which reveals moderate optimism for 2016: 47 percent of the sample expect further expansion of foreign orders, while 53 percent say they will remain unchanged (positive balance 47). The sentiment is different for the Italian market, where 6 percent fear shrinkage, 71 percent predict stability and 23 percent expect expansion (positive balance 17).

* For further information: www.acimall.com