Italy’s textile machinery industry is positioning itself for recovery by strengthening investments in innovation, sustainability and international expansion, despite a challenging business environment in 2025.
Speaking at the ACIMIT General Assembly in Milan, ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè said the industry continues to face geopolitical uncertainty, weaker industrial investments and rising protectionist measures. Despite these pressures, Italian textile machinery manufacturers have retained their position as global technology leaders through innovation and high-value solutions.
According to final 2025 ISTAT data, Italy’s textile machinery production declined by 9% year-on-year to approximately €1.94 billion. Exports also fell 8% to €1.675 billion, while domestic sales dropped 14% to €266 million. Imports, however, increased 14%, supporting domestic consumption despite subdued investment in the Italian market.
Asia remained the industry’s largest export market, accounting for 40% of overseas sales worth €667 million. The European Union represented 24% of exports, followed by non-EU European countries with 11%. By product category, finishing and dyeing machinery contributed 33% of export revenue, followed by accessories (20%) and spinning machinery (15%).
India emerged as the strongest-performing export market in 2025, with Italian textile machinery exports rising 28% year-on-year to €176 million. The growth reflects continued investment in India’s textile manufacturing sector and sustained demand for advanced Italian technologies.
Marco Salvadè noted that the industry’s performance should be viewed within the context of a fragmented global economy, emphasizing that Italian manufacturers continue to compete through technological excellence and highly customised, value-added machinery. He also highlighted the need for long-term industrial policies and incentives to support innovation and digital transformation.
Sustainability remains a core focus for ACIMIT member companies, with ongoing investments in research and development aimed at improving energy efficiency, automation and resource conservation. These advancements are designed to help textile manufacturers reduce environmental impact while lowering production costs.
The association also stressed the importance of developing engineering and technical talent through stronger collaboration with educational and research institutions to sustain future innovation.
Looking ahead, ACIMIT is intensifying international promotional activities in preparation for ITMA 2027, scheduled to take place in Hanover, Germany, from September 16–22, 2027. Working alongside the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the association has launched initiatives to strengthen the global presence of Italian textile machinery manufacturers.
Founded in 1945, ACIMIT represents around 200 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, accounting for approximately 85% of the sector’s turnover. Its member companies generate annual revenues of around €2.1 billion, with approximately 86% of production exported to more than 130 countries.
