Enhancing the value of ‘Made in Italy’ must be placed at the heart of the challenges facing the Italian textile machinery industry in the coming years.

This was the message emphasised by Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, the association of Italian textile machinery manufacturers, during its general assembly held on Friday July 4th at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy.

Presenting the latest industry figures, Salvadè reported that in 2024 machinery sales fell by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to €2.1 billion, while exports declined by 9% to €1.8 billion.

These results are set against a fragile international scenario, with similar trends also observed by the main competitors of Italian manufacturers. China, Turkey, India and the United States remained the primary export destinations for Italian textile machinery in 2024, despite a persistently weak demand. The first months of 2025 have opened under the same cloud of uncertainty.

“US protectionist policies and mounting geopolitical instability risk further slowing global investments in the textile and apparel sector,” Salvadè said. “In particular, any escalation of the trade wars will prove even more damaging to the entire supply chain. It is therefore essential to defend and promote products that are designed and manufactured in Italy without compromise and distinguished by the quality and creativity for which we are renowned worldwide.”

The assembly also celebrated ACIMIT’s 80th anniversary.

“This is an important milestone that invites us to look back with pride and ahead with renewed passion and responsibility,” said Salvadè. “Trade tensions and regional conflicts have reshaped the international equilibrium, directly impacting corporate strategies. The Italian textile machinery industry, with its strong export orientation, is particularly exposed to these dynamics. While it continues to hold a leading position on the global stage, we must question whether the traditional formula, based on innovation and internationalisation, remains fully adequate.”

These themes were also the focus of a roundtable discussion held during the public session of the assembly, addressing three key topics for the future of the sector –  internationalisation, innovation and sustainability.

ACIMIT represents an industrial sector that comprises roughly 300 manufacturers employing around 12,500 people, producing machinery with an annual value of €2.1 billion, of which 86% is exported.

www.acimit.it