Italian Textile Machinery Exports Decline in 2025 as ACIMIT Highlights Innovation and Sustainability for Future Growth
India emerges as the largest export market for Italian textile machinery while ACIMIT outlines industry priorities ahead of ITMA 2027.
The General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) was held at the Shareholders' Hall of Palazzo Edison in Milan, where industry representatives reviewed the sector's 2025 performance against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, reduced industrial investment and increasing protectionist pressures.
Presenting the final 2025 industry figures based on ISTAT data, ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè said the slowdown in European and global manufacturing activity had influenced the sector's overall performance, while noting that Italian textile machinery continues to maintain its position in international markets.
Production and Exports Decline in 2025
According to ACIMIT, domestic production of Italian textile machinery reached approximately €1.94 billion in 2025, representing a 9% decline compared with the previous year.
Exports also decreased by 8%, reaching a total value of €1.675 billion.
Within the domestic market, home sales stood at €266 million, down 14% year-on-year. Although overall domestic consumption recorded moderate growth due to a 14% increase in imports, ACIMIT stated that demand remained insufficient to generate stronger investment momentum within Italy.
Asia Leads Export Destinations; India Records Strong Growth
Italian textile machinery exports declined across several traditional markets, including North America and Turkey, with Turkey recording a particularly challenging year.
Asia remained the largest export destination, accounting for 40% of total exports valued at €667 million, followed by the European Union (24%) and non-EU Europe (11%).
By product category, finishing and dyeing machinery represented 33% of overseas sales, followed by accessories (20%) and spinning machinery (15%).
Among export destinations, India recorded the strongest performance. During 2025, it became the largest market for Italian textile machinery exports, with sales increasing to €176 million, representing 28% growth compared with 2024.
ACIMIT Calls for Stable Industrial Policies
Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, said:
"The 2025 data require attention but must be read within an unprecedented and fragmented global economic situation. Our sector competes globally through technological quality and customized, high-value-added solutions. To support this drive, we reiterate to the institutions the need for coherent industrial policies, with incentive tools for innovation and digitalization that are stable over time and easily accessible."
Focus on Sustainability and Skills
According to ACIMIT, sustainability continues to be a central area of investment for Italian textile machinery manufacturers.
The association stated that member companies are investing in research and development to improve energy efficiency, automation and technologies that reduce resource consumption for textile manufacturers while lowering production costs.
Marco Salvadè added:
"Today, the ecological transition is no longer an optional accessory, but our main distinguishing feature on international markets. The priority is to strengthen the dialogue with the school and research systems to attract young talent, because without skills there is no innovation."
Preparation for ITMA 2027
ACIMIT stated that the 2026–2027 period will focus on preparations for ITMA 2027, scheduled to take place from 16 to 22 September 2027 in Hanover, Germany.
The association has already launched international promotion initiatives in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the industry's internationalisation efforts.
Public Assembly Discusses Industry Challenges
The General Assembly was followed by a Public Assembly titled "Competing in a Changing World," moderated by Luca Orlando, journalist and correspondent for Il Sole 24 Ore.
The programme included presentations from Marco Fortis, Vice President of the Edison Foundation, and Paolo Magri, Chairman of the ISPI Scientific Committee, who addressed macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.
Additional perspectives on supply chain and European market challenges were shared by Luca Sburlati, President of Confindustria Moda, and Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of Euratex.
The discussions focused on how flexibility, innovation and quality continue to shape the competitiveness of Italy's textile machinery industry in international markets.