The overall results of 2015 are to reveal positive trends in Italian woodworking equipment industry. This conclusion is based on Acimall survey data (the Italian Woodworking Machinery and Tools Manufacturers' Association). What is more, the surge of orders for Italian woodworking equipment was registered in the period from July to September 2015. In addition, three consecutive quarters were marked by the improvement of business environment.
According to the survey data, in the period between July and September 2015 the amount of orders increased by 7.2 per cent in comparison with the same of 2014 (in previous quarter this figure was 5.3 per cent higher if compared to the period between April and June 2014). The increase in sale by 6.9 per cent (in comparison with same period of previous year as well) was gained due to foreign orders. The growth of domestic demand reached 12.5 per cent while the decrease of this rate by 11.9 per cent had been registered in previous quarter.
Industry growth rates are especially optimistic in the consideration of production decrease in 2012-2013. In accordance with the Acimall survey data, the total cost of equipment produced during three consecutive quarters equated €1.669 billion. Production has been up by 9.6 per cent, while in 2012 this figure decreased by 7.5 per cent. In 2013, a decline rate reached 2.1 per cent.
Beyond that, after having fallen by 3.7 per cent in 2012 and by 3.5 per cent in 2013, the rate of Italian woodworking machinery export increased. Therefore, export has been up by 5.7 per cent. The total cost of equipment exported was €1.255 billion. However, after having increased in 2013, the import of woodworking equipment reduced in 2014. In 2015, a decline rate reached 13.3 per cent.
Analysts estimate these results as quite positive, which have been gained due to the progress of Italian mechanical engineering industry. This economic sector has attained a sustained growth by the end of the third quarter 2015.
The book of orders includes 2.9 months' figures (2.8 in previous quarter). The total rise of prices has reached 0.6 per cent since the beginning of this year.
According to the results of business survey, 32 per cent of respondents marked positive trends in equipment production, when it comes to the period under review (this figure equated 57 per cent three months ago). However, some companies, which participated in this survey, consider that the decline of production is to be registered in the nearest future.
Additionally, in accordance with survey data, 32 per cent of respondents believe that the amount of foreign orders is to increase in the next quarter, while 63 per cent predict the phase of stability and 5 per cent consider that the amount of orders is to decrease. Simultaneously, 16 per cent of survey participants give a negative forecast on domestic market, while 68 per cent expect a stable phase. However, 16 per cent of respondents expressed more optimistic point of view: they expect the growth of industry.
The closed nature of some markets is one of the reasons for negative forecasts. That is to say, that these markets are not interested in purchasing Italian woodworking equipment. This is about Russia and Brazil. Moreover, some claims of the Chinese government concerning devaluation of Yuan are raising concerns. In this context, a number of Italian producers consider that such policy of Beijing is to make a negative impact on the global market of woodworking equipment. In this case, Italian industry will bear the losses.
Foreign markets are playing an important role in the economic growth of Italy as well as in woodworking machinery. Nowadays, this sector is export-oriented. The point is that approximately 75 per cent of equipment is being produced in order to be delivered to the foreign markets. For instance, the total cost of Italian equipment exported equated €1.255 billion, which is 2.7 per cent higher in comparison with 2013. Herewith, 90 per cent of Italian companies, which produce woodworking equipment, are supplying their production to the foreign markets.
In summary, after the period of decline in 2012-2013, Italian woodworking machinery is rapidly growing. Analysts are marking the growth of production and export in every consecutive quarter. What is more, a wide range of producers believes that this industry is to grow in the nearest future. However, domestic market is marked by negative development trends.
