In the first quarter of 2025, the order index for machine tools developed by the Centro Studi & Cultura di Impresa of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE recorded an increase of 8.5% compared to the period of January-March 2024. The absolute index value has stabilized at 84.5 (base 100 in 2021).
The result was solely driven by the resumption of manufacturers' activities in the domestic market; however, performance in the foreign market was negative.
In particular, orders collected in the domestic market increased by 71.5% compared to the first quarter of 2024, with an absolute index value of 94.5.
The order index for orders collected abroad, on the other hand, recorded a decrease of 18.2% compared to the same period last year. The absolute index value settled at 74.4.
Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: 'The year 2025 begins with an increase in collected orders. This is good news, showing that after a particularly complicated 2024, the short- and medium-term outlooks could be better than in the recent past. President Rosa continued - the context we are in is concerning, especially regarding foreign markets.'
Riccardo Rosa further stated: 'For the third consecutive quarter, collected orders in Italy have shown a positive sign, and according to this latest survey, the increase was so significant that the index approached the average level of 2021, a very positive year.'
'The clarifications regarding the functioning of the long-awaited Transition Measure 5.0 have evidently had their effect: companies have - after capturing the technical details and reducing the grey areas - implemented their purchasing intentions, which have materialized into new and effective orders. This is attributed to the fact that in Italy, the demand for new production systems is still lively enough and aligns with the goal of upgrading facilities according to the two-key principle, i.e., digital and green. This trend is also confirmed by the response of the exhibitors at LAMIERA, which will take place from May 6 at fieramilano Rho, and whose exhibition spaces are completely sold out.'
'The fact that only 11% of the funds allocated for this measure (i.e., just over 600 million euros out of the planned 6.3 billion euros) have been used so far shows that the measure created is not suitable for companies. Because we know from experience - said Riccardo Rosa - that a measure that is easy to implement is more readily accepted by the market, as was the case with the 4.0 policy.'
'In this context - said the President of UCIMU - it is crucial that the authorities provide clarity regarding Industry 4.0. Since January, we have been waiting for the guidelines for reserving the tax refund claim 4.0 from companies. Given the actual availability of funds compared to the assigned ceiling of 2.2 billion euros, domestic demand could further accelerate in the next quarter and thus unleash its full potential. Unfortunately, the effect could soon fade, as companies will no longer have enough time to produce. It would therefore make sense to promptly prepare a measure examining feasibility in Europe to reclaim the unspent funds and make them available for incentive measures according to the 4.0 and 5.0 models in the next three years 2026-2028.'
'On the other hand, the instructions that Italian companies have received abroad in these first months of 2025 are different. The global geopolitical crisis, which includes two open conflicts near us, the economic and political weakness of Europe, the crisis in the automotive sector, and particularly the resounding return of Trump, deeply shake the international scenario. The constant changes in opinion of the American president regarding a possible tariff policy, differentiated by countries and types of goods, have contributed to a general uncertainty that has never been seen before in recent history. This requires active engagement from all participants in the economic system to face this new condition.'
'For our part - added President Rosa - as entrepreneurs, we must continue to work to differentiate our markets. The United States is the primary market for Made in Italy, followed by Germany, China, France, and Turkey. Our efforts must be directed towards closely monitoring the areas that could be interesting for us in the coming years, starting with India, Mexico, and South America, through support and active participation in activities initiated by representative organizations to support companies. In the case of UCIMU, we have developed initiatives to promote the entry of partner companies into areas with high business potential. Examples include Oficina Italiana de Promoción México, Desk India with a location in Mumbai, and Desk China in Beijing, as well as the ITC and IMT networks in India and Vietnam, which aim to facilitate access to these markets for regional companies, with future information missions in the Balkans.'
'However, we demand full support from the government authorities not only for the development of a suitable industrial policy to support the improvement of the competitiveness of the Italian manufacturing sector, which is even more important in today's context. We urge our representatives to advocate in Europe for the necessity of relying on a strong union that is determined to engage in serious dialogue with the US administration, for the benefit of world trade and the security of all peoples.'
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