Italy’s plastics and rubber processing machinery industry is expected to achieve a production value of EUR 4.5 bn in 2022, or an increase of 1% from the EUR 4.45 bn in 2021, according to preliminary figures released by domestic trade association Amaplast (Milan; www.amaplast.org).

While the figure is not eye-popping, it is still higher than the pre-pandemic level of EUR 3.9 bn in 2019.

Exports rose 2% and represented about 70% of production. Imports improved 5% while the domestic market grew 1%, according to the report.

The latest data, based on the first nine months of the current year, showed that exports have intensified to Asian markets – led by India – the Americas – particularly South America – and Europe. Shipments to Africa have decreased, both to the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan markets.

Amaplast said a survey of member-companies showed a progressive slowdown over the course of 2022, particularly for machinery both in the domestic and export markets. However, component sales and incoming jobs have maintained growth.

The survey also indicated that Italian manufacturers were expecting orders to increase at the end of the year, thanks partly to the positive impact of the K Show in Duesseldorf, Germany. But managers were still cautious amidst the Ukraine war and turbulence in the global economy.

For 2023, Amaplast said it expects a downturn in all economic indicators, with the reduction being pencilled in at around a few percentage points. It noted that the Confindustria – the Italian employers’ federation and national chamber of commerce – forecasts negative to low growth for the Italian economy, coupled with strong inflation due to high energy costs.