Exports power Italy’s mold and machinery industry in 2011

"Full speed ahead", that's how the Italian plastics machinery manufacturing association, Assocomaplast, described the year that was for its 170 members, manufacturers of machinery, moulds and equipment for plastics and rubber. The report noted that at time of political and economic tumult in Italy, it was exports that sustained the domestic plastics and rubber processing machinery industry.

Production, exports, and the country's trade balance all enjoyed double digit gains, rising 11.1%, 19.3%, and 24.6%, respectively, in 2011 over 2010. Imports (up 5.9%) and domestic demand (up 2.1%) both rose, albeit at much lower rates.

(millions of Euros)

"These projections highlight excellent performance in exports and general stability of the domestic market," the association noted in a release, noting that Germany remains the principal destination for Italian plastics machinery, while also highlighting a "significant surge" in exports to Russia, Poland, and Turkey.

Assocomaplast member companies, with the support of the association, have placed a particular emphasis on Russia, Poland, and Turkey. This includes coordination of some member companies participation in a fair in Istanbul at the end of November. In addition, Assocomaplast is planning a large Italian pavilion, with some 60 exhibitors, in Moscow for Interplastica 2012 (Jan. 24-27).

Elsewhere, sales to the Far East grew by thirty percentage points, led by China. Europe experienced the next highest level of grwoth, thanks to the increase in exports to Russia, Poland, and Turkey. Sales to South American markets, on the other hand, have slowed somewhat after the strongly positive trend registered in previous quarters.

Top 10 plastics technology destination markets (January-September 2011)