Data from the Italian Association of Plastics Machinery Manufacturers report production of 4.2 billion euros and exports of 2.6 billion euros.
Imports rose by 2%, which can be explained by the prolonged crisis on the domestic market in Italy.
Exports evidenced an increase of almost 9 percentage points which, although a little less bright than the results of previous quarters, is an encouraging sign for companies in the sector.
Based on 2012-2011 variations, the trade balance for the sector exceeded 1.41 billion, an increase of 11% over the previous one.
Italian export destinations
An analysis of the main export destinations for the sector reconfirms Europe in first place, with 60% of the total and 11% above the figures for January-September 2011. In detail, this increase is mainly supported by markets outside the EU. Russia, in particular, which recorded 26% with nearly 100 million euros. In fact, Assocomaplast manufacturers have turned their attention to Russia in view of the upcoming edition of the Interplastica trade fair (Moscow, January 29-February 1, 2013), which will see the participation of more than 50 Italian exhibitors in a collective exhibition space of approximately 1,100 square meters.
Europe is followed by North America, with a share of 18% and an increase of 14% compared to a year ago. A sharp increase in orders from the United States and Mexico played an important role in this evolution.
On the other hand, if we look at South America, we see a 12% drop in the supply of transformers from Brazil, a decline that was practically inevitable given the sustained levels maintained in recent years.
As for sales to the Far East, they increased by 3%, but with great divergence in the trend from one country to another, at least in the most important markets. China, which absorbs half of the Italian machines directed to that geographical area, gained 4% in value, while India fell back. Supplies have also increased to Thailand and Indonesia.
The Middle East, on the other hand, recorded a drop of 18%. In North Africa, sales to Morocco and Egypt fell, while in Tunisia, they grew.
* For more information: www.assocomaplast.org
