Italy’s woodworking and furniture machinery exports experienced an 8% decline in 2024, totaling €1.55 billion, according to figures from Acimall, the Italian association of wood technology manufacturers. The decline was attributed to a combination of rising global uncertainty and weakened demand in key international markets. As a result, Italy fell behind China and Germany, its two major competitors in the sector.
Total production by Italian manufacturers dropped 9% to €2.42 billion, while domestic sales fell 10%, reaching €725 million. Imports into Italy also saw a sharp decline, down 25% to €228 million, reflecting reduced orders from major supplier countries.
Dario Corbetta, director of Acimall, described the decline as a “pause, not a collapse,” attributing it to a market correction following years of post-pandemic growth. He pointed to structural challenges, including labor shortages, slow generational turnover in leadership, and a need for ongoing investment in workforce training. The industry also faced external pressures such as geopolitical instability, persistent labor shortages, and the impact of U.S. tariff measures on global trade.
Export Markets and Trends
Italy’s key export destinations in 2024 included the United States, France, and Germany. Exports to the U.S. fell 4% to €177 million, while exports to France rose 19% to €176 million. Sales to Germany decreased by 2%, totaling €122 million. Notably, exports to China increased by 2%, while the United Kingdom saw a significant 30% drop in machinery purchases from Italy.
On the import side, Italy’s machinery purchases from Germany halved to €84 million, while imports from China increased by 36% to €40 million. Spain emerged as Italy’s third-largest supplier, shipping €14 million worth of machinery, a 41% increase.
Germany and China Lead Global Exports
Germany, which has traditionally been a leader in woodworking machinery exports, recorded €2.49 billion in foreign sales, down 12% from the previous year. Its main export markets included the U.S., China, and France. However, Egypt saw a significant surge, with sales increasing from €9.7 million in 2023 to €87 million in 2024.
China retained its position as the world’s largest exporter of woodworking and furniture machinery, reaching €2.52 billion in sales. Vietnam was its largest customer, with purchases totaling €357 million, a 28% increase. The U.S. followed at €348 million, up 2%, while Russia also saw a 2% increase in imports.
On the import side, China’s machinery purchases fell 18%, totaling €189 million. Germany remained China’s largest supplier, despite a 23% drop, while Italy ranked second with €30 million in imports.