According to the latest data from
Ucimu-Sistemi per Produrre — the Italian machine tool manufacturers’ association — in the fourth quarter of 2024 the index of machine tool orders showed an 11.4% increase compared to the period October-December 2023. The absolute value of the index was 78.7 (base year 2021=100).
On the domestic front, orders showed a 33.3% increase compared to Q4 2023, for an absolute value of 58. However, exports orders were down 6.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, with the absolute value of the index standing at 83.6. On an annual basis, order intake remained in negative territory, down 5.6% versus the 2023 figure (absolute index 65.5), with domestic orders falling 3% (absolute index 39.6) and foreign orders falling by 7.5% (absolute index 84.3).
Riccardo Rosa (pictured above), Ucimu’s president, said: “The overall order situation regarding 2024 is among the most disappointing ones in the last few years; it was only thanks to business in export markets, which was sufficiently buoyant for a good part of the year, that the drop was limited. That said, regarding the last quarter, the double-digit increase is good news because it confirms the small trend reversal we had already seen emerging in the previous quarter.”
Weak domestic demandHe continued: “However, concern remains about the trend of 2025, because in addition to weak domestic demand, which is struggling to restart, there is a clear slowdown in business related to foreign markets, as well as various other concerns. For a start, Trump’s reappearance on the world stage leaves everyone in suspense; and without any prejudice, we are waiting to see what his moves will be for economic policy, and more.
“For Ucimu members, the USA is the first export market, thanks to the excellent relationships we have built over many years; and while the US manufacturing industry, which the new president intends to relaunch, needs high-quality production and automation systems that ‘Made in Italy’ could provide, the subject of tariffs is also an unknown quantity that could hold surprises.”
He concluded: “Other considerations include difficulties in Germany, the weakness of Europe troubled by automotive issues, the closure of important markets such as Russia, and the growing division of the world into two economic blocks. On the domestic front, the situation is certainly not rosier; and although there was some movement in the latter part of the year, activity is still rather limited.”