Milan, Italy – The Italian plastics and rubber machinery industry has reported a decline in exports to Europe, particularly within the European Union, while sales to the Americas showed little growth. However, the industry saw more positive outcomes in Asia and Oceania, with sales to key markets in China and India increasing by 15% compared to 2023, according to the industry association Amaplast on March 26.
Sales to Germany, the largest market for Italian machinery, dropped by 2% year-on-year, a decrease that Amaplast attributed to the country’s ongoing economic and industrial challenges. Despite this modest decline, Germany remains the primary destination for Italian rubber and plastics processing machinery. This is noteworthy given that German manufacturers experienced a steep 30% drop in domestic sales and order intake in 2024.
Other major European markets, such as Spain and Romania, also showed slower growth, with declines of 6% and 20%, respectively. Poland, too, saw a decrease of 19% year-on-year, while demand from Turkey continued to rise, up by 15%.
In terms of overseas markets, Amaplast noted “mixed signals,” with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and protectionist policies, particularly those from the Trump Administration, contributing to fluctuating trade conditions. Exports to the US, the industry’s second-largest destination, fell by 4% compared to 2023. However, Amaplast suggested it would take several more months to fully evaluate the impact of any new tariffs.
On a more positive note, Mexican orders saw a “significant” rise, although future investments in the country are closely tied to US policies. Meanwhile, exports to Brazil surged by 86% over the previous year, reaching an all-time record of €120 million, driven by strong demand for advanced machinery.
Amaplast also highlighted a 7% decline in exports of injection and extrusion machines, although this was offset by the strong performance of blow moulding machines, which saw increased demand in markets such as the US, UK, France, Turkey, and Poland.