Italian leather machinery exports up in 2001
Despite the contraction of the US market, exports by member organisations of Italy’s Assomac (National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leathergoods and Tanning Machines and Accessories) jumped 10.21% last year.
According to the association, total exports rose by 21.0% in the first six months of the year. However, the combined effects of September 11 and the South American economic crisis meant that growth was sharply curtailed thereafter.
The largest export gains were seen in traditional shoemaking machinery. These surged 18.93% year-on-year, with Spain overtaking Romania as the largest export market, increasing its sales by a massive 134%. Exports to Romania increased 26%, driven by the country’s continuing programme of modernisation, with exports to China and Hong Kong increasing by 49.17% collectively. Exports of injection moulding machinery were also up, rising by 13.5% and with particular increases being noted in China and Hong Kong.
In contrast to the 19.21% increase posted the year before, exports of tanning machines fell by 0.98%. However, Asian sales rose by 17.22% - the main markets being China and Hong Kong. Exports to Brazil increased by 11.19%, Spain by 14.31% and India by 62.19%.
Export sales of leather goods machinery reversed the positive trend established the year before, falling by 6%. Exports to the United States dropped 6.38% and to China and Hong Kong by 38.6%. Exports to India meanwhile grew by a colossal 330 %.
