Orders for Italian wood and furniture technology increased by 5.3% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the latest quarterly survey by Acimall, the association representing Italian manufacturers.
The sector’s growth was driven primarily by international demand. Foreign orders rose 12.3%, a significant result for an industry that exports more than 70% of its total production. However, domestic orders fell 12.5%, reflecting continued uncertainty in the Italian market and reluctance among companies to invest in new plants and technologies.
The industry’s order book currently stands at 3.5 months, while prices have increased by 3.5% since the beginning of the year.
Production remained broadly stable, with 59% of companies reporting no significant change. Eighteen percent recorded an increase, while 23% reported lower production. Employment was similarly stable, with 82% of companies reporting unchanged staffing levels.
Looking ahead, expectations remain mixed. For the third quarter of 2026, 41% of respondents expect domestic orders to remain stable, while 35% anticipate a further decline. Just 24% expect an improvement. Expectations for foreign markets are somewhat steadier, with 59% forecasting stable orders, 35% predicting a decline and 6% expecting growth.
The findings suggest that, despite a challenging global geopolitical environment, international demand continues to provide important support for Italy’s wood and furniture technology sector.
