Italy’s machine tools, robots and automation systems industry is expected to return to moderate growth in 2026 after a challenging 2025, supported by stronger domestic demand and the implementation of the country’s hyper-depreciation incentive. The outlook was presented by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE during its General Members’ Meeting, where industry leaders reviewed last year’s performance and shared forecasts for the year ahead.
Addressing more than 150 industry representatives, institutional leaders and media members, UCIMU President Riccardo Rosa said the sector faced a difficult business environment in 2025 as exports weakened sharply despite signs of recovery in the domestic market. He noted that while demand in Italy improved during the year, it remained well below the record levels achieved in 2021 and 2022.
According to data released by UCIMU’s Economic Studies Department and Business Culture Centre, Italy’s production of machine tools, robots and automation systems reached €6.39 billion in 2025, registering a modest one per cent increase over the previous year. However, exports declined by 12 per cent to €3.76 billion, reducing the export share of production to 58.8 per cent, compared with 67.5 per cent in 2024.
Despite the slowdown, Italy maintained its position among the world’s leading manufacturing nations for machine tools, ranking fifth globally in both production and consumption and fourth in exports. The United States remained Italy’s largest export market, followed by Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, India, Mexico, Spain, China and Brazil. While exports to several key markets declined, Brazil and Poland recorded notable growth during the year.
Domestic demand showed stronger momentum. Deliveries by Italian manufacturers to the home market increased by 28.1 per cent to €2.63 billion, while overall domestic consumption rose 22.3 per cent to €4.53 billion. Imports also increased to €1.9 billion, reflecting continued investment in manufacturing technologies.
Looking ahead, UCIMU expects the industry to record gradual growth in 2026. Production is forecast to reach €6.64 billion, representing a 3.9 per cent increase, while exports are projected to remain broadly stable at €3.79 billion. Domestic deliveries are expected to grow by 8.5 per cent to €2.86 billion, supported by a 7.4 per cent increase in domestic consumption to €4.87 billion.
Riccardo Rosa said geopolitical tensions, weaker European demand and global trade uncertainties continued to affect the industry’s export performance. He observed that although tariffs imposed by the United States created challenges for some product categories, the American market remains an important destination for Italian manufacturers due to sustained demand for advanced and specialised machine tools.
He also highlighted concerns over Europe’s manufacturing competitiveness, particularly the impact of policy decisions affecting the automotive industry. Mr Rosa called for a technology-neutral approach to industrial transition, enabling manufacturers to remain competitive while supporting employment and sustainable growth.
On the domestic front, Mr Rosa expressed confidence that Italy’s hyper-depreciation incentive under the updated Transition 5.0 programme would stimulate new investments in advanced manufacturing equipment. He noted that the measure has already begun generating positive market sentiment, with a large share of incentive applications relating to machine tool investments.
The General Members’ Meeting also featured discussions on global trade, innovation, artificial intelligence and augmented reality in manufacturing, alongside insights from industry experts and business leaders. The event concluded with the announcement that Riccardo Rosa is the sole candidate for the UCIMU presidency for the 2026–2027 term, reinforcing continuity in the association’s leadership as it works to support the industry’s next phase of growth.
