At its recent General Assembly, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT), headquartered in Milan, highlighted the urgent need to reinforce the global value of “Made in Italy” as a key priority for the future of the country’s textile machinery sector. The event also marked the association’s 80th anniversary—a moment to reflect on decades of industry leadership while charting a path forward amid global headwinds.
Industry Performance in 2024
According to ACIMIT, the Italian textile machinery industry experienced a challenging year in 2024. Total production fell by 8% to €2.1 billion, while exports declined by 9%, totaling €1.8 billion. Despite the downturn, key markets such as China, Turkey, India, and the United States remained the primary destinations for Italian machinery exports, albeit with subdued demand.
ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè attributed part of the slowdown to increasing global uncertainties, stating:
“U.S. protectionist policies and mounting geopolitical instability risk further slowing global investments in the textile and apparel sector. In particular, any escalation of the trade war would prove even more damaging to the entire supply chain.”
Internationalization
The assembly’s roundtable discussions focused on four strategic pillars: internationalization, innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of authentic Made in Italy craftsmanship. Emphasizing the importance of these principles, Salvadè added:
“It is essential to defend and promote true Made in Italy — products designed and manufactured in Italy without compromise, distinguished by the quality and creativity for which we are renowned worldwide.”
Celebrating its 80th year of activity, ACIMIT reaffirmed its commitment to guiding the industry through turbulent times. “An important milestone that invites us to look back with pride and ahead with renewed passion and responsibility,” said Salvadè.
As the global textile machinery sector faces uncertainty, ACIMIT’s call to champion the originality, quality, and technological excellence of Italian manufacturing serves as both a rallying cry and a roadmap for sustainable recovery.
