Printing & Converting Machinery Realizes Export Recovery

Published: June 30, 2010

MILAN, ITALY | According to ACIMGA (Italian Mfrs. Assn. of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting & Paper Industry), “The Italian printing and converting machinery industry is definitely recovering with a 15% growth in exports over the first three months of 2010. The good news is encouraging for the entire sector, which in 2009 was seriously affected by the world economic and financial crisis with a drop of 17.6% in turnover and of 22% in exports.”

The main drives if this recovery include Asia featuring a growth of over 66%, with India and China showing a 173% and 165% increase respectively; and North America, historically one of the industry’s top export markets, growing by 37% after poor 2009 performance. Extra EU countries also display a recovery (+24,66%) while the European Union market is still experiencing difficulties with a 3% loss.

A favorable Euro-Dollar exchange rate, an ACIMGA report claims, is expected to further boost export sales of Italian machinery worldwide. While exports are driving the recovery, the Italian market still displays a critical situation. From January to March 2010, imports of printing and converting machinery from main source countries have dropped by 51%.