According to the the Studies Office of Acimall, the Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association, Italian-made technology in the woodworking and wood-based materials industry remains stable.
As in the first three months of the year, the second quarter was characterised by stability in the domestic and international markets.
However, in the April-June period, Acimall underlines one essential difference – while stability in orders from abroad is a positive step towards the consolidation of Italy’s strong export propensity, the same stability within the Italian market once again means that Italian companies using woodworking technology show no signs of dynamism, suggesting no recovery, however moderate, in the short term.
The traditional survey, based on a statistic sample of manufacturers of all types and sizes, reveals decreasing orders, down by 1.1% compared to the same period in 2012. Demand from abroad decreased by 0.9%, while the decline on the domestic market was 1.4%. Revenues in the quarter dropped by 3% compared to April-June 2012.
According to the survey, 35% of the interviewed companies indicate a positive production trend, 42% stable and 23% decreasing. Employment is considered stationary by 81% of the sample, and in decline by the remaining 19%. Available stocks are stationary according to 46%, decreasing according to 31% and growing according to the remaining 23%.
The forecast survey outlines possible short-term industry trends, including moderate optimism for export – but a rally of sales in Italy is not expected. Foreign orders will record growth according to 27% of the sample, while they are expected to stay at the same level according to 54%. The remaining 19% expects a drop (the balance is +8). The domestic market will shrink further according to 27% of the sample, and remain stable according to 73% (a balance of -27).
A look at the index of confidence within Italian manufacturers, slightly improving for foreign markets after a long period of alternate positive and negative feelings, offers a small positive signal, with a general 'wait-and-see' attitude for the future of the international market and economy.
Pessimism around the domestic market has solidified. The April-June 2013 period is the 11th consecutive quarter with negative expectations, and the 7th with a negative balance exceeding 20 points. Recovery is inevitably associated with Government measures to revive domestic demand, says Acimall – people are waiting to see the impact of recent measures offering tax allowances for building renovation, and a 'furniture bonus' – for which a further extension to at least June 2014 has been urged by many.
