Despite rebounds, year-on-year orders fell over the previous quarter while domestic demand is also subdued
TCF POST Desk
Italian textile machinery manufacturers recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in order intake in the third quarter of 2026, reversing the 16% decline reported a year earlier, according to ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers.
Foreign orders rose 8%, while domestic orders fell 4%, improving from respective declines of 16% and 17% in the third quarter of 2025.
The orders index reached 44.6 points, up from 41.8 a year earlier (2021 = 100). However, total orders fell 4% from the second quarter of 2026, reflecting continued uncertainty over industrial investment.
The average order backlog declined to 3.5 months of production, compared with four months a year earlier. Capacity utilisation stood at 72.4%.
ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè said international markets continued to offer positive signals despite uncertainty and rising energy costs. Foreign markets account for around 80% of Italian textile machinery manufacturers’ order intake.
Domestic demand remains weak, and the industry is seeking stronger investment supported by incentives under Italy’s Transition 5.0 scheme.
Most manufacturers are looking at order intake in the final quarter of 2026.
