A widespread slowdown across all markets continues to affect manufacturers of ceramic machinery. In the first nine months of the year, turnover fell by 18.2%. Exports recorded the sharpest decline, down 21% compared with the same period last year, while the domestic market contracted by 11%. These are the findings of the latest market survey conducted by the MECS Research Centre for ACIMAC.
Companies are increasingly concerned about market instability and low propensity to invest in technology. After nine consecutive quarters of decline and two quarters of tentative recovery, the sector has returned to negative growth, with three consecutive quarters of contraction.
The outlook for the coming months offers little sign of a turnaround. Order books cover just 2.8 months of production, while new orders remain sluggish.
Some signs of renewed activity are emerging in international markets, including Egypt, France, Spain and Germany, with positive signals also coming from Poland, Brazil and the Netherlands. The after-sales segment, which accounts for 29% of turnover, remains stable.
«The figures for the first nine months paint a picture of extreme fragility, and we make no attempt to hide it,» says Bruno Bettelli, President of ACIMAC, pictured. «If this situation persists, with declining turnover and a lack of substantial orders, the stability of the sector —and consequently employment— could be at risk.
«Nevertheless, we must remain confident and look at the positive aspects too. Tecna, the industry trade fair held at the end of September, confirmed the strong appreciation and excellent reputation our technologies enjoy across all markets. This provides a solid foundation for a recovery in turnover.
«As an association, we continue to support our member companies in every way possible: through our services, our presence in international markets, trade fairs and conferences, and our advocacy work, which is delivering tangible results, as demonstrated by the recent progress on the ETS. A more competitive European ceramic industry means greater investment in technology — and that is where our companies can truly make a difference.»
