Machine tool orders in Italy saw a significant rise of 22% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Both domestic and international markets contributed to this growth, with foreign orders increasing by 9.5% and domestic orders surging by 70.3%. Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, remarked, “The latest data from the UCIMU index confirms a positive trend in order intake. However, we remain cautious, as the broader economic environment continues to deteriorate.”
For the second quarter of 2025, the UCIMU index for machine tool orders stood at 64.4 (with a 2021 base year of 100), reflecting a 22% increase from April-June 2024. Domestic orders saw the most significant rise, up by 70.3%, reaching an index value of 54.0.
On the international front, foreign order intake rose by 9.5%, with an index value of 74.6. These results will be presented at the First Economic Day organized by UCIMU, where over forty member companies will discuss how to utilize the data collected by UCIMU’s Studies Department and Business Culture Centre.
Riccardo Rosa highlighted the continuing positive performance of Italian machine tool manufacturers, noting that the industry has experienced four consecutive quarters of growth. Despite this, he pointed out that the situation remains fragile due to deteriorating global conditions. He added, “The strength of the domestic market rise can be attributed to a recovery compared to a very weak second quarter of 2024, which was the worst in the last decade, barring 2020 during the pandemic.”
Mr Rosa also expressed concerns about global trade dynamics, especially in relation to the US. He noted, “Recent statements from former President Trump regarding new tariffs on EU products are worrying. Such measures would harm not only the Eurozone but also the US economy. We remain hopeful that the European Commission will engage in dialogue with the US to avoid further escalation, but we must also prepare an alternative strategy in case talks fail.”
According to Mr Rosa, the ongoing uncertainty is stalling investment in production technologies, particularly in sectors that export to the US, including automotive and manufacturing components. He stressed that while Italian companies are working hard to diversify their export markets, the lack of clarity on trade policies remains a significant barrier.
Mr Rosa emphasized the importance of EU free trade agreements, particularly with emerging markets in Africa and Asia, to open new avenues for growth. He also called for reducing bureaucratic hurdles within the EU to unleash the full potential of the European market.
Turning to the automotive sector, Mr Rosa urged the Italian government to advocate for technological neutrality in the transition to alternative forms of mobility. He stressed that the focus should be on emission reduction targets while allowing companies to choose the technologies that best suit their operations. “The risk of industrial decline is real, and we must prevent it by supporting a balanced and fair transition process.”
On the domestic front, Mr Rosa called for an extension of the Transition 5.0 initiative beyond December 31, allowing machine tool manufacturers to secure additional orders. He also urged the opening of discussions after the August holiday to better address the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector. UCIMU is ready to contribute to the development of a new industrial policy, he concluded, urging both Confindustria and government authorities to engage in dialogue to support the sector’s long-term evolution.