Italian recovery continues

The recovery in construction machinery sales in the Italian market is continuing, with the latest figures from Unacea (the association of Italian construction machinery manufacturers) revealing a rise for 2017.

Over the year, 12,766 machines were sold in the Italian market, up 15% compared to 2016.

Earthmoving machine sales totalled 12,275, up 15% on a year-on-year basis, while road equipment grew by 5%, with 491 units.

Paolo Venturi, president of Unacea, said, “At this point, the recovery of the Italian market has to be considered as a consolidated trend.

“The effort we expect from public authorities, with the aim of consolidating the national market, is the recognition of the technological advances made by the industry. Consequently, we expect a reward policy for virtuous end-user contractors, and for the benefit of safety and environment.”

Unacea found that international trade was growing too. In particular, it highlighted the export of Italian construction equipment between January and October 2017, which reached €2.23 billion, up 7% compared to the same period in 2016.

Exports of road equipment recorded the highest growth rate, with an increase of 26% year-on-year. A positive trend in exports was also recorded for crushing and screening equipment, which rose 23%; earthmoving machines with an uplift of 13%; tower cranes, up 10%; and concrete equipment which showed a rise of 5%.

On the other hand, exports of drilling machines decreased by 21%.

Imports were stable at around €700 million, while the trade surplus of the sector grew 9%, with a positive trade balance of more than €1.5 billion.