Italian Textile Machinery Industry Reports 9% Production Decline in 2025, ACIMIT Focuses on Innovation and Sustainability
General Assembly reviews 2025 performance, highlights India's export growth, sustainability investments and preparations for ITMA 2027 amid global market challenges.
The Italian textile machinery sector is navigating a business environment shaped by geopolitical instability, reduced industrial investment and increasing protectionist measures, according to discussions held during the General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) at the Shareholders' Hall of Palazzo Edison in Milan.
Presenting the industry's final 2025 figures based on ISTAT data, ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè said the slowdown in European and global manufacturing influenced the sector's overall performance, although Italian textile machinery continued to maintain its position in international markets.
The President: “The path to revival goes through innovation, sustainable transition, and preparation for the great milestone of ITMA 2027.”
According to the data presented, domestic production in Italy's textile machinery sector reached approximately €1.94 billion in 2025, representing a 9% decline compared with the previous year.
Exports also decreased by 8%, reaching €1.675 billion, while domestic sales totalled €266 million, down 14%. Although overall domestic consumption showed moderate growth due to a 14% increase in imports, ACIMIT noted that investment levels within Italy remained below expectations.
Traditional export destinations including North America and Turkey recorded weaker demand during the year. However, Asia remained the largest export market, accounting for 40% of total exports valued at €667 million. The European Union represented 24%, while non-EU European countries accounted for 11% of exports.
Among machinery categories, finishing and dyeing machinery represented the largest share of exports at 33%, followed by accessories (20%) and spinning machinery (15%).
One of the strongest performances came from India, which became the largest individual export destination for Italian textile machinery during 2025. Exports to India increased 28% compared with 2024, reaching €176 million.
The President: “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.”
The General Assembly also highlighted sustainability as a continuing focus for Italian textile machinery manufacturers. According to ACIMIT, member companies are investing in research and development to improve energy efficiency, automation and technologies designed to reduce resource consumption for textile manufacturers while lowering production costs.
The President: “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.”
Looking ahead, ACIMIT identified the 2026–2027 period as an important phase of international preparation leading up to ITMA 2027, which will be held from September 16 to 22, 2027, in Hanover, Germany.
The association stated that it has already initiated international promotion activities in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support Italian manufacturers ahead of the exhibition.
The General Assembly was followed by a public session titled "Competing in a Changing World," moderated by Luca Orlando, journalist and correspondent for Il Sole 24 Ore.
The event also featured presentations from Marco Fortis, Vice President of the Edison Foundation, and Paolo Magri, Chairman of the ISPI Scientific Committee, who discussed macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.
Additional contributions were delivered by Luca Sburlati, President of Confindustria Moda, and Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of Euratex, focusing on supply chain developments and challenges facing the European textile industry.
The discussions highlighted the role of flexibility, innovation and quality in supporting the international competitiveness of Italy's textile machinery sector.