ACIMIT Reaffirms ‘Made in Italy’ Amid Industry Slowdown

The Italian textile machinery industry experienced a mild downturn in 2024, prompting a renewed call to strengthen the global identity of "Made in Italy." During ACIMIT's General Assembly on 4 July at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè emphasized the need to prioritize authentic Italian craftsmanship to navigate current industry challenges.

According to Salvadè, production fell by 8% in 2024, reaching €2.1 billion, while exports declined 9% to €1.8 billion. Despite this, Italy maintained strong export ties with China, Turkey, India, and the U.S., although global demand remains weak. The start of 2025 has shown continued uncertainty.

“Rising U.S. protectionism and increasing geopolitical instability may further restrict global investments in the textile and apparel sector,” Salvadè warned. “An escalation in trade tensions could deeply affect the supply chain.”

ACIMIT underscores the urgency of safeguarding authentic Made in Italy. “Our industry's strength lies in skilled labor, innovation, and creativity,” Salvadè added. “We must promote products genuinely designed and manufactured in Italy—known for quality and innovation.”

The event also marked ACIMIT’s 80th anniversary. Salvadè highlighted that evolving global dynamics—ranging from trade tensions to regional instability—require the sector to reconsider its traditional strategy rooted in internationalization and innovation.

A public roundtable at the Assembly discussed three pillars of the industry’s future: internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. Experts stressed that Italy’s competitive edge depends on further solidifying its global leadership in sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-quality textile machinery. To achieve this, ongoing innovation and expansion into both mature and emerging markets will be crucial.