According to data released by ACIMIT, between April and June 2026, the Italian textile machinery sector experienced a varied order trend, but with favorable prospects for the second half of the year. The order index at constant prices (based on 2021=100) stood at 46.6 points, marking a slight decrease of 3% compared to the same period in 2025.
The decline is primarily attributable to weak domestic demand, which contracted 25% year-over-year. Internationally, however, the foreign market showed greater resilience, helping to contain the overall decline.
Considering the entire first half of 2026, overall orders recorded a 4% decrease compared to the first six months of 2025. This result reflects the 11% decrease recorded in the domestic market and the more modest 3% decline recorded in foreign markets.
Signs of recovery
Although the comparison with the second quarter of 2025 is penalized by a particularly high comparative base, the economic analysis shows signs of a clear recovery. Compared to the January-March 2026 period, overall order intake increased by 25%, confirming a strengthening of demand after the slowdown seen in the previous months.
Growth occurred in both the domestic and international markets. Specifically, orders from Italy increased 39% compared to the first quarter of the year, while those received on international markets increased 23%. This trend suggests a widespread improvement in market sentiment and suggests more favorable prospects for the coming months.
The spinning and weaving sectors are doing well
Compared to the first quarter of 2026, order intake showed a positive trend in most production sectors. In the domestic market, all segments recorded stable or growing results, with particularly dynamic performances in the spinning and weaving sectors.
Positive trends also prevailed in foreign markets, especially in weaving, knitting, and finishing. For the third quarter of 2026, companies expect sales volumes to remain substantially stable. Expectations remain cautious in the domestic market, while cautious optimism emerges abroad.
Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented: “Despite the international uncertainty, it’s comforting that the indicator, albeit slightly, is positive on the foreign market, as approximately 80% of our order intake comes from international markets. The domestic market is different, impacted both by the comparison with a positive second quarter of 2025 and by the new 2026-2028 hyper-depreciation incentive that began in June, the effects of which are not yet visible in terms of investments.”
