Production in the Italian processing machinery sector decreased by 3.5% year-on-year to an estimated EUR 4.1bn in 2008, according to the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery and moulds manufacturers’ association, Assocomaplast (Assago, Milan / Italy; www.assocomaplast.com). Exports in the industry fell by 3.4% to an estimated EUR 2.6bn and imports by 1.9% to an estimated EUR 600m. The domestic market fell by an estimated 3.3% to EUR 2.1 bn. The figures reflect the deep crisis that has hit global markets since the second half of 2008, particularly since September and October, the association said.

Up to June 2008 (with the exception of mould making, which showed a constant negative trend beginning in January 2008, joined later by injection moulding machines), exports of plastics and rubber machinery were still increasing by 7.4% compared with the same period in 2007. A fall in exports of around 20% year-on-year is expected for both mould making and injection moulding machines in 2008.

The association predicts that 2009 will see a further downturn, but at this stage it is too early to predict accurately how severe this will be. Its initial forecast suggests that production will fall by a further 7.5% to EUR 3.8 bn, with exports and imports falling by 12% and 17% respectively. The domestic market is forecast to shrink by a further 5% during 2009.