UCIMU–SISTEMI PER PRODURRE recently released data showing that the index of machine tool orders for the third quarter of 2025 remained stable, recording a +1.1% increase compared to the to the period July-September 2024. The absolute value of the index stood at 53.3 (base year 2021 = 100).
The data, compiled by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU, in particular, the orders collected in the domestic market showed a 12.4% increase over the third quarter of 2024, for an absolute value of 15.4.
Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated, “Domestic demand still too weak,
despite the ‘plus sign’, no improvement regarding the automotive sector and ‘uncertainty Made in the
USA’ are the critical issues affecting the daily work of Italian manufacturers, who are concerned about the near future. The economic policy tools being defined by the Government authorities for 2026-2027 will be crucial.”
On the foreign market, order collection was down by 7.7% compared to the same period last year. The
absolute value of the index stood at 87.1.
Riccardo Rosa, further stated, “Even if the latest measurement of the UCIMU index confirms the positive trend in domestic demand, the absolute value of the index highlights that demand is still very weak. Indeed, the downturn in overseas activity is barely counterbalanced by the recovery in the domestic market.”
“The context where we are operating – continued Riccardo Rosa – is really complicated. Europe is deeply affected by the crisis in German and the geopolitical instability caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In particular, the transition to electric motors has triggered a sharp reduction in manufacturing activity. European carmakers are not investing, because it is not clear what will happen in the future. Moreover, companies in the supply chain are announcing plant closures and staff cuts almost every day.”
“On the other hand, we Italian manufacturers see that the downsizing of our main destination sector,
namely the automotive industry, cannot be covered by investments from the so-called alternative sectors. For this reason, in order to ward off the spectre of industrial desertification in the Old Continent, we think it is essential to extend the transition period towards green mobility and, at the level of EU institution, to engage in careful consideration concerning alternative forms of propulsion, capable of ensuring low emissions and, at the same time, safeguarding production, factories and jobs.”
“Looking abroad – continued the President of UCIMU – the United States have held up well so far.
However, we are observing some cases of Italian companies that are experiencing difficulties with the
deliveries of machines to the USA due to tariffs. In this regard, there is great concern, also because the
attitude of the American administration has cast heavy uncertainty over the international market, actually causing a slowdown in export activity, as our order index clearly shows.”
On the domestic front – concluded President Riccardo Rosa – we know that the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the Ministry of Economy and Finance are working on the definition of a new programme of industrial policy, which should support companies over the next two years. The non-positive experience of 5.0, which brought interesting results only in its final stage, should serve as a warning so that companies can have a really useful and effective tool to support the upgrading of Italian production.”
“We appreciate the idea of a single measure, even if we prefer tax credit. However, we request to include a reward bonus related to production made in EU. Finally, duration and financial provision needed to support the transformation of our factories will be crucial at a time when AI and digitalisation, if properly directed, can make a difference. With regard to duration – concluded Riccardo Rosa – we ask that the measure be applicable from the beginning of the year, avoiding the effect of exasperating wait we experienced with 5.0. As for financial provision, pressure from Asian suppliers and general instability – the primary factor leading to the freeze on investments in capital goods – require serious intervention in terms of overall economic resources to support the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector.”
