The Italian automatic packaging machinery industry continues to consolidate its world leading position. According to data collected by the research department of Ucima, the sector’s national association affiliated with Confindustria, the sector closed 2017 with further year-on-year growth. Total turnover reached EUR 7.19 bn, 8.9 % up on 2016. The sector continues to stand out for its strong international presence, with Italian companies competing head-to-head with their German counterparts in all world markets. One machine out of every five sold worldwide is made in Italy.

Exports grew by 7.5 % to EUR 5.7 bn (79.1% of the total). The domestic market also continued its strong performance with 14.4 % growth to more than EUR 1.5 bn. The sector consequently recorded a positive trade balance of EUR 5.2 bn, up by 7.1 %. These results were generated by 634 companies employing 32,227 people (up 8.7 % on 2016). The sector was once again Italy’s most dynamic capital goods manufacturing industry in 2017, ranking top in terms of export share and second in terms of overall turnover.

The European Union remains the most important market, accounting for 37.4 % of total turnover (EUR 1.9 bn). Asia ranks second with a value of EUR 1.11 bn and a 21.8 % share of turnover. The North American market ranks third with EUR 592.6 m (11.6 %). The United States, France and Germany remain the top three individual countries. As for the breakdown of turnover amongst the various client sectors, the food and beverage sector maintained its dominant position in 2017 accounting for 56.1 % of total turnover.