PLASTICS AND RUBBER MACHINERY
Italy's imports and exports rise in H1 / Imports growth constrained by weak economy / Assocomaplast report
Italy’s imports and exports of plastics and rubber processing machinery increased in the first half of 2012 compared with the same period last year, although imports growth was constrained by a weakening domestic market, according to industry association Assocomaplast (Milan / Italy; www.assocomaplast.org).
Imports grew by 6% to nearly EUR 300m compared with the first half of 2011, although they decreased compared with H2 last year. “This result is a clear reflection of the persistent and extreme weakness of the domestic market,” stated Assocomaplast, which represents 163 manufacturers of plastics and rubber machinery, ancillary equipment and moulds.
Exports rose by 11% to more than EUR 1.23 bn, enabling the trade balance to grow to more than EUR 900m. “After a relative weakening in early 2012, sales abroad have regained momentum, particularly in the second quarter,” the association said – for an overview of Q1 2012 performance see Plasteurope.com of 10.07.2012.
Exports to Germany, the largest export market, rose by 9% in the first half of 2012 compared with the same period last year. Exports to the second largest market, France, rose by 5%, while sales to the third largest, Russia, soared 61%. Exports to the USA, the fifth largest market, grew by 10% but sales to China, the next largest, sank by 7%.
Assocomaplast said exports of extrusion lines rose by nearly 20%, with about half the extrusion lines supplied to European destinations. Exports of blow-mouding machines increased by 16%, while exports of moulds were 28% higher. Exports of injection machines, however, declined 14%, because of a slump in European sales, especially to Russia.
Sales of machines and moulds are climbing in the Americas, especially in the NAFTA area, with Mexico leading the surge. However, the association pointed to a loss in momentum in the Brazilian export market, coupled with difficulties in accessing the market because of high customs duties.
Sales are also climbing in Europe, especially in non-EU markets, it said, but sales to the Far East are stagnating as a result of lower Chinese and Indian demand.
Assocomaplast added that exports to the Middle East are falling, impacted by the unstable social and political situation, as well as export restrictions to countries such as Iran and Syria.
Imports grew by 6% to nearly EUR 300m compared with the first half of 2011, although they decreased compared with H2 last year. “This result is a clear reflection of the persistent and extreme weakness of the domestic market,” stated Assocomaplast, which represents 163 manufacturers of plastics and rubber machinery, ancillary equipment and moulds.
Exports rose by 11% to more than EUR 1.23 bn, enabling the trade balance to grow to more than EUR 900m. “After a relative weakening in early 2012, sales abroad have regained momentum, particularly in the second quarter,” the association said – for an overview of Q1 2012 performance see Plasteurope.com of 10.07.2012.
Exports to Germany, the largest export market, rose by 9% in the first half of 2012 compared with the same period last year. Exports to the second largest market, France, rose by 5%, while sales to the third largest, Russia, soared 61%. Exports to the USA, the fifth largest market, grew by 10% but sales to China, the next largest, sank by 7%.
Assocomaplast said exports of extrusion lines rose by nearly 20%, with about half the extrusion lines supplied to European destinations. Exports of blow-mouding machines increased by 16%, while exports of moulds were 28% higher. Exports of injection machines, however, declined 14%, because of a slump in European sales, especially to Russia.
Sales of machines and moulds are climbing in the Americas, especially in the NAFTA area, with Mexico leading the surge. However, the association pointed to a loss in momentum in the Brazilian export market, coupled with difficulties in accessing the market because of high customs duties.
Sales are also climbing in Europe, especially in non-EU markets, it said, but sales to the Far East are stagnating as a result of lower Chinese and Indian demand.
Assocomaplast added that exports to the Middle East are falling, impacted by the unstable social and political situation, as well as export restrictions to countries such as Iran and Syria.
01.10.2012 Plasteurope.com [223489-0]
Published on 01.10.2012
German version of this article...