Ucimu: in the third quarter 2024, machine tool orders went up (+7.9%). Domestic orders (+4.3%), foreign orders (+10.7%).
23.10.2024 -
In the third quarter 2024, the index of machine tool orders, compiled by the Economic Studies Department & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, returned to a positive sign, recording a 7.9% increase compared to the period July-September 2023. The absolute value of the index was 52.7 (base year 2021=100).
The orders collected overseas reported a 10.7% upturn, compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index was 94.4.
On the domestic market, orders marked a 4.3% rise, compared to the third quarter of 2023, for an absolute value of 13,7.
Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, stated: "The return of the order index to a positive sign after six consecutive quarters of decline is welcome news, because it actually interrupts a trend that has accompanied the sector for too long”.
“Despite this - continued Riccardo Rosa - the situation remains complicated for at least two reasons. Firstly, because “the plus sign” is the result of a comparison with one of the quarters characterised by the weakest order intake ever, i.e. the period July-September 2023, which, in absolute terms, is only slightly higher than that recorded in the same quarter of 2020, the year that was plagued by the pandemic. Therefore, it is clear that we are still at a very low level”.
“Secondly, because – added President Rosa – by observing this quarterly outcome in more detail, a sharp separation appears between the performance of the sector of sheet metal forming and sheet metal processing machines and that of metal cutting machines”.
“I think, this is the first time - continued the president of UCIMU - that we are proposing a consideration with this level of detail (including technical detail), but actually, never before has it been so evident that the sector represented by UCIMU is moving at two speeds. On one hand, the metal forming companies that are able to work in many markets and, most of all, to capture the demand expressed by many profoundly differing sectors. On the other hand, the metal cutting companies that are facing particularly complicated contextual problems. Among the reasons for the great difficulty the metal cutting industry is encountering, we can certainly include the strong foreign competition, mainly from Asia, and then the great uncertainty of the automotive industry that has paralysed investment in new production technologies, as proven, among other things, by the crisis that the entire German economy is experiencing”.
“Also owing to this, we think, it is essential that, on international tables and in particular in Europe, our Government authorities keep on pointing out the need to develop policies in support of the industrial transition, brought about by the change of direction in a sector that has driven the economic and social development of the Old Continent more than any other, namely the automotive. We should devise instruments that can accompany the reorganisation of the European manufacturing industry, so that, while respecting the criteria of green manufacturing, it can continue to guarantee activity and employment in the countries of the Union. These are fundamental elements, together with the protection of the environment, for the well-being of the population”.
“The electric car is fine, as the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, reminded us at the Assolombarda Assembly, but - added Riccardo Rosa - why not also consider a broader range of technologies that, correctly mixed, could make the new mobility model really sustainable? I believe that an openness on this point could certainly give new impetus to the entire supply chain”.
“While hoping that our representatives in Europe will intervene on this point, we reiterate to Minister Adolfo Urso the immediate need for simplification of the Transition 5.0 measure, so that it can bring out its effects by supporting new investment in energy-saving technologies”.
“Finally, apart from the current situation - concluded the president of UCIMU - entrepreneurs expect our Government to immediately start a round table for dialogue, involving sector representatives, on the industrial policy measures that should accompany the Italian manufacturing industry from 2025 onwards, because, at the end of next year, both Transition 4.0 and 5.0 will come to an end. Not much time is left. We have to act right now, if we want to support, even in the near future, the development and growth process of our industry”.
Cinisello Balsamo, 23 October 2024
Contact:
Claudia Mastrogiuseppe, head of External Relations and Press Office Management, +39 0226 255.299, +39 3482618701 [email protected]
Massimo Civello, External Relations and Press Office Management, +39 0226 255.266, +39 3487812176 [email protected]
Filippo Laonigro, Technical Press Office, +39 0226 255.225, [email protected]
