The Italian manufacturing industry of machine tools, robots, and automation systems experienced a highly successful year in 2022, achieving double-digit growth and setting new records for production and consumption. Despite a marked slowdown in order intake due to prevailing uncertainty, the industry remains optimistic about closing 2023 on a positive note.

According to Barbara Colombo, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian industry of machine tools, robots, and automation systems confirmed its position as one of the key players internationally. It ranked fourth in terms of production, exports, and consumption. The final data processed by UCIMU’s Economic Studies Department & Business Culture Centre reveals that in 2022, the Italian production of machine tools, robots, and automation systems reached 7 280 million euros, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Consumption grew by 26% to 6 311 million euros, driving both domestic deliveries (3 812 million euros; +21.6%) and imports (2 499 million euros; +33.3%) upward.

Italian exports also saw a notable increase in 2022, reaching 3 468 million euros, an 8.5% growth compared to the previous year. Notable export markets included the United States (482 million euros, +43.5%), Germany (306 million euros, -13.3%), and China (226 million euros, -0.7%). The positive performance of the sector led to an increase in the utilisation of production capacity, rising from 80.2% in 2021 to 86.6% in 2022. The order portfolio also improved, ensuring eight months of guaranteed production compared to 7.3 months in the previous year. Overall, the turnover of the sector amounted to 10,482 million euros.

Barbara Colombo

Looking ahead to 2023, UCIMU’s Economic Studies Department & Business Culture Centre forecasts continued positive growth for the sector. The projected production for 2023 stands at 7 750 million euros, representing a 6.5% increase from the previous year and setting a new record in the industry’s history. Consumption is expected to reach a new record-breaking value of 6 835 million euros (+8.3%), boosting manufacturers’ deliveries to the domestic market, which are forecasted to achieve a record of 4 155 million euros (+9%). Imports are also predicted to rise to 2 680 million euros (+7.3%).

In terms of exports, the forecast suggests growth to 3 595 million euros (+3.7%), returning to pre-Covid levels. In the first three months of 2023, the main export markets for Italian machine tool offerings were the United States (126 million euros, +35.4%), Germany (89 million euros, +43.8%), and China (55.5 million euros, +23.3%).