The value of Italian textile machinery production for 2011 registered a 9% increase compared to 2010, from 2.4 to 2.6 billion euros. A similar increase was recorded for exports (+10%), which reached a value of just over 2.1 billion euros. Exports remain the driving force behind the sector growth in Italy. The dynamism of major textile markets combined with the ability of Italian machinery manufacturers to assert themselves on a global scale, has contributed to sustaining Italian exports. Fully 25% of the sector's sales abroad are directed to China, with Asian markets generally accounting for

Exports of Italian machinery have risen 37% during the first quarter of 2011, compared with the same period last year, according to the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT). Compared with growth during 2010, the number of Italian exports has increased by 27%. Italian machinery manufacturers will be looking to build on this success at ITMA in September. Approximately 320 companies are expected to exhibit at the event across 20,000sq m or 25% of total space in terms of exhibitors and surface area. The Italian contingent comprises of 73 manufacturers from the spinning