The Italian machine tool, robot, and automation industry had a favorable 2023, with new production records driven by strong export performance, despite a drop in domestic demand. Barbara Colombo completed her term as UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE president, with Riccardo Rosa (Rosa Ermando Spa) elected for 2024-2025.
Italy remains a key player globally, ranking fifth in production and fourth in exports and consumption. However, 2024 forecasts indicate a moderate production decrease, with domestic deliveries expected to decline due to weak demand. The first half of 2024 saw a 17.3% decrease in order intake amid uncertain global conditions.
In 2023, production reached a record €7,615 million, a 4.6% increase from 2022, with exports hitting €4,223 million, up 21.8%. Consumption decreased by 7.8%, affecting domestic deliveries and imports. The export/production ratio rose to 55.5%.
Forecasts for 2024 suggest a slight contraction, with production expected at €7,450 million (-2.2%) and exports projected to grow by 3% to €4,350 million. Domestic deliveries and consumption are predicted to decline, reflecting continued challenges in the domestic market.
President Colombo emphasized the need for operational Transition 5.0 measures to support the industry, highlighting the importance of skilled personnel and internationalization efforts, with attention to key markets like the US, China, India, Vietnam, and Mexico. UCIMU’s commitment to bridging the job demand-supply gap through initiatives like UCIMU Academy and the new ROBOTGAMES contest was also underscored.
The meeting stressed the necessity of swift implementation of Transition 5.0 and continued support for internationalization activities to maintain the industry’s competitive edge.