Amaplast predicts “negative result” for Italian machinery makers

Assago, Italy – The world health crisis has prompted Amaplast to predict a negative year-end result for Italy’s plastics and rubber processing machinery, equipment, and moulds sector.

In its assessment, the Italian trade association noted ISTAT foreign trade data for the first nine months of last year, showing year-on-year declines for imports and exports of 17% and 14% respectively. 

The balance of trade, though still positive at over €1.3 billion, had declined by thirteen points, Amaplast also noting a drop in orders especially in the first half of 2020 – and particularly in the domestic market. 

Given the negative indicators, Amaplast estimated total production for 2020 at €3.6 billion, 18% below the 2019 level. A similar result, it said, is expected in the consolidated year-end results for foreign trade.

In terms of exports, the association saw some gains over the first three quarters of last year “in Europe, especially in extra-EU markets, while Asia and North America have lost ground.”

More details in the Jan/Feb issue of European Rubber Journal magazine