Italian textile machinery manufacturers recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in order intake in Q3 2026, according to industry data. International markets drove the growth, with orders rising by 8%, while the domestic market registered a 4% decline.
Compared with the second quarter of 2026, overall order intake fell by 4%, reflecting continued uncertainty across the global textile industry. The order index for July–September reached 44.6 points, based on the reference year 2021 = 100.
Italian textile machinery manufacturers reported an average order backlog equivalent to 3.5 months of production, while capacity utilisation stood at 72.4%.
Sector-level data indicated generally stable or declining order trends during the quarter across both domestic and export markets. Expectations for the final quarter of 2026 remain cautious, with most companies anticipating either stable or lower order intake.
Exports Continue to Support the Industry
Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, highlighted the continued contribution of overseas markets amid uncertainty and rising energy costs.
“Despite the widespread caution among manufacturers, fuelled by international uncertainty and rising energy costs, foreign markets continue to provide positive signals. This is particularly encouraging, as exports account for around 80% of the order intake of Italian textile machinery manufacturers.”
He also pointed to subdued domestic demand and the need for stronger investment activity among Italian companies.
“The domestic market, however, remains subdued. The industry is looking for stronger investment momentum from Italian companies, supported by the incentives available under the Transition 5.0 scheme, which offers improved planning opportunities for industrial investments.”