In the fourth quarter 2024, the index of machine tool orders, compiled by the Studies Dept. and Business Culture Centre of Ucimu-Sistemi per Produrre, showed an 11.4% increase compared to the period October-December 2023. The absolute value of the index was 78.7 (base year 2021=100). On the domestic front, orders highlighted a 33.3% upturn compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, for an absolute value of 58. Conversely, orders collected overseas were down, recording a 6.5% drop compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index stood at 83.6.

On an annual basis, order intake remained in negative territory, registering -5.6% versus the 2023 figure (absolute index 65.5); domestic orders -3% (absolute index 39.6); foreign orders -7.5% (absolute index 84.3).

Riccardo Rosa, president of Ucimu, stated: “The overall outcome of the order collection regarding 2024 is among the most disappointing ones in the last few years: we had a worse result only in 2020; in this case, business in foreign markets, which was sufficiently flourishing for a good part of the year, allowed us to limit the drop”. “On the other hand, with regard to the last quarter - added Riccardo Rosa – the double-digit increase is surely good news, also because it confirms the small trend reversal we had already recorded in the previous quarter. That said, concern remains about the trend of the current year, because, in addition to the weakness of domestic demand, which is however struggling to restart, there is a clear slowdown in business related to foreign markets.”

“The context where we will have to work shows numerous factors of uncertainty in Italy, as well as abroad. Overseas, Trump's reappearance on the world stage leaves everyone in suspense. Without any prejudice, we are waiting to see what his moves will actually be for economic policy and more. For us, the United States are the first export market, thanks to the excellent relationships we have built in the field over many years of work and cooperation. The US manufacturing industry, which the new president intends to relaunch, needs high-quality production and automation systems and the ‘Made in Italy’ of the sector expressly meets this need. For this reason, the subject of tariffs is also an unknown quantity, which could hold surprises that are not necessarily negative for us, also in relation to the possible appreciation of the dollar against our currency.”

“After all – pointed out Riccardo Rosa – Germany's difficulties, the weakness of Europe troubled by the automotive issue, the closure of important markets, such as Russia, and the growing division of the world into two blocks, with China that is increasingly distant, are forcing the companies of the sector to take new steps in terms of internationalisation, aimed at intensifying their presence in the countries of greatest interest. In this sense, the initiative called “Oficina Italiana de Promociòn Mexico”, launched in the second half of 2024 by Ucimu, is an example of how representative organisations can support enterprises in a market with high potential.”

“On the domestic front, the situation is certainly not rosier: it is true that something moved in the latter part of the year, but it is still a rather limited activity. Unfortunately, the satisfaction for the achieved result appears partly diminished for two reasons: on one hand, the figure is compared with that of the last quarter 2023, which was definitely low, and, on the other hand, as usual, order intake was a little more substantial in the fourth quarter than in previous quarters. However, if we look at the beginning of this year, we are certain that as soon as we have the decrees that will make effective the simplifications defined for 5.0, domestic demand will regain momentum.”

“Under these premises and considering that 2025 coincides with the conclusion of the measures 4.0 and 5.0 – concluded President Riccardo Rosa – we would like to point out to the government authorities that a new industrial policy plan must be conceived right now to accompany the digital development of the Italian manufacturing industry. After 4.0 and 5.0, the development of industrial production continues on the track of technological innovation, which will increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence as well. In order to ensure the advancement of competitiveness in the manufacturing industry, it is necessary to encourage the replacement of obsolete machinery, rewarding those who invest in state-of-the-art production systems, even more so if these include data training and management systems. We need to work on this. Our association is ready to dialogue with the government authorities.”

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