The Italian manufacturers of woodworking technology have seen a total increase in orders by as much as 13.5 percent between July and September 2006, the Acimall quarterly survey shows. The result confirms the trend started in the second half of last year.
Such good news originates from the success obtained both on the Italian and international markets: according to the statement by sample companies - which represent the domestic scenario both in terms of size and production types - foreign customers placed 11.3% more orders than in the same period in 2005, while Italian partners increased their orders by 21.3%.
Prices grew by 2.2% and ensured production at the end of June reached 3.4 months.
Fifty-seven percent of the interviewed companies indicate a stationary production trend from July till September, 27% growing and 16% decreasing. Stocks are considered as stationary by 87% of the sample, falling by 7% and increasing by the remaining 6%. Employment is considered as stationary by 87% of the sample, increasing by 10% - which is definitely an important piece of news - and falling by 3% only.
The widespread caution detected during the interviews of the previous quarter was fortunately not confirmed, and also expectations for the near future look moderately optimistic: foreign orders are expected to remain stationary according to 63% of the interviewees, increase for 37% and no possible shrinking is expected (positive balance +37). In the coming months, the Italian market is expected to have a constant trend according to 63% of the interviewees, it will grow for 27% and it will shrink for the remaining 10% (positive balance, +17).
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