The Italian machine tool, robot, and automation systems sector is set to close 2024 with a significant decline in key economic indicators, with a slight recovery anticipated in 2025, according to UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the industry’s national association. Preliminary data from UCIMU’s Studies Department reveals that production in 2024 fell to €6.745 billion, an 11.4% drop compared to 2023.
The decline stemmed primarily from reduced domestic deliveries, which plummeted by 33.5% to €2.255 billion, reflecting weak investment by Italian users. Domestic consumption mirrored this trend, falling 34.8% to €3.795 billion. Imports also contracted by 36.5%, reaching €1.54 billion.
Conversely, exports provided a positive note, rising by 6.3% to a record €4.49 billion. Key markets for Italian machine tools from January to August 2024 included the United States (€419 million, +17.8%), Germany (€243 million, +12.3%), and India (€132 million, +100%).
Looking ahead, production in 2025 is expected to rise modestly by 2.9% to €6.94 billion. Exports are projected to remain stable at €4.505 billion, while domestic deliveries are forecast to grow by 8% to €2.435 billion, driven by a gradual recovery in local demand. Italian consumption is anticipated to increase by 7.2%, with imports benefiting from this recovery, climbing 6.2% to €1.635 billion.
UCIMU President Riccardo Rosa highlighted the domestic market’s challenges, citing delays in implementing government incentives under the Transition 5.0 initiative as a major hurdle. He emphasized the need for urgent policy adjustments to stimulate demand and support the industry’s modernization.
Rosa also called attention to the broader pressures on the European manufacturing sector, particularly from the Green Deal’s transition to electric vehicles, which has led to job losses and plant closures. He urged collective action from industrial stakeholders to safeguard the sector, which forms the backbone of Italy’s economic system. To ensure long-term growth, Rosa reiterated the importance of implementing a new industrial policy to support innovation and sustainability in Italy’s manufacturing industry beyond 2026.
