Italian exports of graphic, paper and converting machinery have increased by 4.82% in the first quarter of 2012. Imports are also showing an impressive + 9.94%. Such are the figures published by the Research Center of trade association ACIMGA based on Istat data.

The same source reveals that the USA remains the first buyer of Italian machinery with a 68.8 % increase, followed by Germany and China – over the last quarter, the latter has doubled its orders. “We are relieved to see the plus sign in front of these figures, in sharp contrast with the general economic scenario, especially in connection with the domestic market,” says Guido Corbella, CEO of Centrexpo, the company organizing the trade exhibitions Grafitalia and Converflex on stage at Fiera Milano from May 7th to 11th 2013.

According to Mr. Corbella, who spoke after the convention following Drupa held in San Donato Milanese, “this positive tendency is particularly significant as history shows us that over the months preceding Drupa – Germany’s major printing exhibition which took place last May in Düsseldorf – business volumes traditionally suffer from a general downturn, which has not occurred this time around. Such encouraging data – concludes Mr. Corbella – combined with the positive outcome of Drupa testify to the industry’s confident outlook to the future. Important industry leaders have already confirmed their presence at Grafitalia e Converflex”.