Some good news, at last, though long awaited, for the Italian production of machinery and technology to process wood and wood-based materials. According to the Acimall trend survey for the first quarter 2010, we are seeing a consolidation of recovery that started in the last three months of 2009. It’s mainly good news from foreign markets that are bringing cautious optimism also for the near future, still considering that these figures compare to the first quarter 2009 that was the most difficult period of the crisis.

According to the statistic sample interviewed by the analysts of the Confindustria member association, the industry indicates a 41 percent increase of orders compared to the same period of last year. Excellent results in foreign markets, with 43.8 percent expansion, while the Italian markets grew by 26 percent. From January to March 2010, prices recorded a slight increase (plus 0.2 percent), while the period of ensured production at 1.8 months on March 31. The quality survey for the quarter under scrutiny reveals that 26 percent of interviewed entrepreneurs indicate a negative production trend, 44 percent expect stability, and 30 some growth. Employment is considered stationary by 63 percent of the sample and falling by the remaining 37 percent. Available stocks are stationary according to 48 percent, decreasing according to 37 percent and growing according to the remaining 15 percent.

The forecast survey suggests possible short-term dynamics in the industry. The greatest expectations are focused on foreign markets (don’t forget that Italian woodworking technology is strongly export-oriented, with over 70 percent of production shipped around the world), while caution is the predominant attitude for the results that may be achieved in the coming months in Italy. On the whole, 45 percent of the same predicts growing foreign orders in the next quarter, while the volume will remain stable according to 48 percent, and decrease further for 7 percent (the balance is +38). On the domestic market, 15 percent of the sample fear shrinkage. 59 percent predict substantial stability and 26 percent are confident that the situation will improve (positive balance 11).