The Italian textile machinery sector is navigating a complex economic landscape by prioritizing long-term investments in research and international development. During the ACIMIT General Assembly held in Milan, industry leaders outlined a strategic roadmap designed to carry the sector through a challenging 2025 and toward the ITMA 2027 exhibition in Hanover. Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, noted that while the industry faces geopolitical shifts and rising protectionism, the commitment to maintaining technological leadership remains the primary objective for manufacturers.
Analysis of 2025 Performance and Export Dynamics
Final figures for 2025, derived from ISTAT data, indicate a period of transition for the Italian industry. Domestic production reached approximately €1.94 billion, reflecting a 9% decrease compared to the previous year. The textile machinery exports sector also saw a decline of 8%, totaling €1.675 billion, while domestic sales within Italy contracted by 14% to €266 million. Despite these figures, a 14% rise in imports helped sustain overall domestic consumption, though local investment levels remained cautious throughout the year.
Asia continues to serve as the primary destination for Italian machinery, representing 40% of all overseas sales with a value of €667 million. The European Union followed with a 24% share, while non-EU European nations accounted for 11%. Within the various technology categories, finishing and dyeing equipment led export revenue at 33%, followed by accessories at 20% and spinning solutions at 15%. A notable highlight was the performance in India, which emerged as the fastest-growing market. Sales to India rose by 28% to reach €176 million, underscoring a robust demand for Textile Machinery Innovation in the region.
Strategic Focus on Sustainable Technology and Digitalization
To counter global economic fragmentation, manufacturers are focusing on highly customized, value-added innovation. Salvadè emphasized that consistent industrial policies and incentives for digitalization are vital for the sector’s resilience. Textile Machinery Innovation is currently centered on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of production processes. By integrating automation and resource-saving features, manufacturers aim to help their clients lower operational costs while meeting increasingly stringent sustainability standards.
Talent Acquisition and Future Market Initiatives
The industry is also placing a high priority on human capital. ACIMIT has highlighted the need to build stronger bridges between manufacturers and educational institutions to attract new engineering and technical talent. Developing these specialized skills is viewed as a fundamental requirement for sustaining the pace of innovation required by the modern market.
Looking forward, the association is coordinating with the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support manufacturers on the global stage. These efforts are largely focused on the upcoming ITMA 2027, scheduled for September in Hanover. ACIMIT, which was established in 1945, represents approximately 200 manufacturers and accounts for 85% of the sector’s total turnover. With roughly 86% of production destined for over 130 countries, the association remains a cornerstone of the Italian manufacturing economy.
