According to data collected by the research department of UCIMA, the packaging machinery industry, one of the most dynamic Italian manufacturing sectors, recorded a solid 8.9% growth in 2017, with a turnover exceeding €7 billion (€7.19 billion). Export sales totaled €5.7 billion in 2017 (79.1% of the total production), 7.5% up from 2016.The sector’s trade balance recorded a positive surplus of €5.2 billion, up by 7.1%.
The European Union remains the most important market, accounting for 37.4% of total export turnover (€1.905 billion). Asia ranks second with €1.112 billion and a turnover share of 21.8%. The North American market is the third largest export outlet with €592.6 million (11.6%).
The United States, France, and Germany remain the top three destination countries, followed by Mexico, China, Spain, the UK, Russia, Turkey, and Poland.
The bold growth trend in Italy’s exports was accompanied by a similar performance on the domestic front (+14.4% or €1.5 billion).
Italy’s packaging machinery industry is comprised of 634 companies employing 32,227 people (up 8.7% on 2016). 65.8% of companies have revenues of below €5 million and account for just 8.9% of the sector’s total turnover. The 48 largest companies (with turnovers above €25 million) generate 66.8% of the sector’s total turnover. Despite this polarisation, 2017 saw the growth of medium-sized companies (with turnovers in the €10-25 million range), which increased in number from 52 to 77 (+25%) and generated 15.4% of total turnover.
The largest concentration of packaging technology companies is in the Emilia Romagna region (36%), in central Italy, accounting for 61.9% of total turnover. The next most important regions are Lombardy (28.1% of companies and 17.6% of turnover), Veneto (11.8% of companies and 8.9% of turnover), and Piedmont (11.4% of companies and 6% of turnover).
The sector was once again Italy’s most dynamic capital goods manufacturing industry in 2017, ranking top in terms of export share and second in terms of overall turnover.
The 2018 forecasts are encouraging because the 2017 positive trend are expected to continue. According to the UCIMA Research Department’s forecasts, the industry will continue its strong performance in Italy and Europe. Sales are also expected to improve in Asia and Africa, with a growth of between 6% and 6.5% in the two-year period 2018-2020.
To view UCIMA’s survey’s full report, click on the following link.