Through an email interaction, Mr. Allessandro Zucchi, President of ACIMIT (Italian Textile Machinery Association) replied to a set of questions from Samuel Joseph, Advisor (Editorial & Marketing), Textile Value Chain.
Excerpts:
- How has been 2021 for the members and industry in Italy?
2021 was still conditioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, but nevertheless represented, for most Italian textile machinery manufacturers, a year characterized by a great recovery. Indeed preliminary figures for 2021 show that Italian textile machinery production and exports will grow by about 30% compared to 2020. The value of Italian exports for the 2021 January-September period has already overtaken the pre-crisis value of 2019 same period and the order intake for Italian manufacturers in the first three quarters of 2021 marked a +95% over 2020.
- Which are the markets that showed strength in matters of orders?
Based on data for the first 9 months of 2021, all major markets for Italian companies have grown compared to the previous year. China, Turkey, the United States of America, Pakistan, and India are the main markets for Italian machinery exports. All of them recorded double-digit growth.
- How did the Italian industry fare in the Indian market?
On the Indian market, Italian textile machinery sales are doing very well. In the period January-September 2021, Italian manufacturers exported machines worth 74 million euros to India (+90% over the same period in 2020 and +88% over 2019). The most requested Italian machines in India are weaving machines (+69% compared to 2020) and spinning ones (+182%).
- How does Acimit look at the New Year 2022?
2022 will still be a year of deep uncertainty for the global textile industry. We observed the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic in recent months. There are problems related to our daily business due to the considerable increase in the cost of raw materials and shipping, the lack of electronic components, etc. But I am optimistic. Over the years the Italian textile machinery manufacturers recovered from financial and economic crises. In 2022 the target of Italian companies is already ITMA 2023, which will take place in Milan from 8 to 14 June 2023. ITMA will be an opportunity to show the whole world our technologies. Already now our companies are working on technological innovations that international visitors to ITMA Milan will be able to appreciate in the Italian exhibitors’ booths.
- What are the programs and projects for the year ahead?
In 2022, ACIMIT activities to promote the Italian textile machinery sector will be as numerous as ever, thanks to the cooperation of the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation too. Attendance at some important trade shows (ITMA ASIA, TECHTEXTIL, …) is scheduled. Incoming missions of textile operators from different Countries to Italy are also planned.
- Will it be participating in international exhibitions? What are the expectations?
As I mentioned ACIMIT will be present at the main trade fairs of the sector scheduled for 2022: ITMA ASIA, TECHTEXTIL, TECHTEXTIL NORTH AMERICA, CAITME, COLOMBIATEX… Obviously, the hope is that there will be no further limitations to the transfers that would affect the smooth running of the exhibitions. I believe that everyone in the industry is eager to participate in physical events. In our industry, the direct relationship with the customer is an important component of daily business. Remote connections can be useful in this pandemic period, but we hope that it will be back to normal soon for the sake of the machinery manufacturers and their customers.
