The Italian industry of machine tools, robots, and automation is poised to conclude 2023 with a new production record, solidifying the positive trend of recent years and opening the doors to equally promising prospects for 2024. Barbara Colombo, the president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, presented the data during the year-end press conference on December 13th.
The economic scenario of 2022.
In 2022, the global economy exhibited moderate growth, marking a slowdown compared to the significant post-COVID rebound of 2021. This trend also manifested in international trade and the exchange of manufactured goods, involving all major economies but with varying intensities.
Asia maintained its leadership in machine tool production, followed by Europe, while the Americas remained slightly distant. Notably, Italy stood out with remarkable performance, surpassing Germany, Japan, and the United States in the global ranking of machine tool manufacturers.
The global production of machine tools in 2022 amounted to 79.5 billion euros, consolidating the positive results of 2021. Europe surpassed the United States, with Spain and Italy recording growth rates above the average. Germany confirmed its challenges, while France experienced a slowdown.
Overall, in 2022, the machine tool sector in Italy reached a record figure of 7.3 billion euros, including machines, robots, automation, and related services. Despite a contraction in domestic orders, domestic demand remained dynamic, supported by the transition 4.0 incentives, with a 26% increase in consumption.
Italian exports recorded growth, primarily towards the United States, Germany, China, France, and Poland. However, export shares to major global markets slightly decreased, except for the United States, where “Made in Italy” gained ground.
Italian exports are primarily directed towards the European Union (43.5%), while Asia saw a reduction in its share (16.7%). Sales in North America covered 19.8%, while exports to South America and Africa experienced a decline.
Year-end data for 2023.
The numbers for 2023 highlight production reaching 7.5 billion euros, a significant increase of 3.8% compared to the previous year. This result was driven by excellent export performance, which increased by 10.3%, reaching 3.8 billion euros.
Despite a slight contraction in domestic deliveries, stopping at 3.73 billion euros (a 2% decrease compared to 2022), the sector maintained a robust performance. Imports experienced a 4.5% decrease, totaling 2.385 million euros, partly influenced by a slight reduction in domestic consumption, down 3% to 6.12 billion euros.
Specifically, from the data, it emerges that the robotics sector in Italy:
- Closes the year with a production of 700 million euros, compared to 740 million in 2022.
- Exports in 2023 account for 47%, compared to 53% dedicated to the domestic market (in 2022, exports were 39.2%).
- Imports amount to 685 million, compared to 700 million in 2022.
Forecasts for 2024.
Looking ahead, the 2024 predictions outline a consolidation of positive results. Production is expected to reach 7.6 billion euros, with a modest increase of 0.5% compared to 2023. This will be primarily driven by foreign demand, with exports projected at 4 billion euros (+6.4%).
Deliveries by manufacturers in the domestic market will experience a slight contraction, stopping at 3.5 billion euros (-5.6%), in line with the anticipated decrease in domestic consumption to 5.78 billion euros (-5.6%). Despite these challenges, the sector remains confident in facing the future with determination, leveraging robust foreign demand as a growth catalyst.
Attached are the summary tables prepared by Ucimu-Sistemi per produrre.
