The Italian association of manufacturers of machines for the shoe, leathergoods and tannery industries, Assomac, held its annual meeting at its headquarters in in Vigevano on June 30 at which members were given the opportunity to discuss the problems facing the footwear industry at present. In his address, president of the association, Giovanni Gaia, stated that exports of shoe-manufacturing machinery fell by 10.79% in 2004, notwithstanding the 9.15% increase in exports to Asia. This is due to the fact that Europe still accounts for 59.61% of overall export business, which is in contrast with the current situation in the shoe-manufacturing sector.
As for leather-working machinery, Mr Gaia commented that the sector is still holding its own, although this is due, on the whole, to the fact that it has already been rationalised and downsized in the face of overseas competition. Exports decreased by 5.90% overall, with a 16.8% decrease in exports to Europe. Asia produced far more positive results though, recording growth of 2.43% and now representing 36.69% of total exports. Assomac now predicts that Asia will in fact outperform the others and will become the main consumer for Italian leather manufacturing machinery.
The tanning machinery sector yielded more positive statistics. Exports increased by 6.71% in 2004. Asia saw the largest increase with exports rising almost 24%. It now accounts for 43.82% of Italy’s total tanning machinery exports, with America making up 23.27% and Europe only 24.37%.
