At the General Assembly of ACIMIT, the Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association, held in Milan on July 9, industry leaders emphasized the importance of innovation despite a challenging global landscape.
ACIMIT President Marco Salvade presented concerning figures: in 2023, production and exports of Italian textile machinery fell by 16 per cent, totaling 2.3 billion euros and 2 billion euros, respectively.
Key markets such as China, Turkey, India, and the US saw weakened demand last year, though the first quarter of 2024 has shown some recovery, particularly from China, Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil, and Japan.
Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Italy's textile machinery sector remains a global leader, alongside China, Germany, and Japan. Salvade stressed that maintaining innovation is crucial, especially in supporting the textile sector's shift towards sustainability.
The assembly also highlighted the European green transition and the increasing importance of textile recycling. EU legislation aims to advance the sector’s green and circular transformation through ecodesign, waste management, and enhanced recycling processes.
With growing demand for recycled fibers, Italian textile machinery companies are poised to leverage their expertise and increase R&D efforts. Salvade underscored that these advancements not only address sustainability but also present opportunities for technological growth and competitive advantage.
