Exports of Italian machines grew by 2.2% in 2012, according to data processed by Gimav in its annual industry report.
A similar trend was exhibited by the glass processing machines, accessories and special products industry, as documented in the Industry Report just published by Gimav, based on processing of its own statistical data.
In 2012, the glass industry clearly showed that it was in a position to maintain extraordinary buoyancy. Sales rose, up by 1.50% versus 2011, with an extraordinary performance from hollow glass, with sales up by 9.72%.
Combined, total sales for both flat glass and hollow glass sectors amounted to €1,114,967,549 Euros, and 77.99% of that was driven by exports.
Against this backdrop, Italy's market value remains rather low, and is still fraught with weakness, even though Italian manufacturers continue to be preferred providers. Demand on the Italian market remained dull, characterised by a downward trend since 2010.
Exports have performed well since the crisis in 2009, although their performance fluctuated until the end of 2012.
Overall growth was 3.44%: flat glass maintained the already positive positions attained in 2011, whereas hollow glass posted a remarkable +10.95% gain over the previous year.
In general, the geographic areas of greatest impact are Europe as a whole (EU and non-EU), which alone claimed just under 50% of Italy's exports and regained its position as the leading destination, thanks above all to recoveries in non-EU countries and a lull in the recession in the Mediterranean countries.
Asia with 23.10%, has really shifted into a lower gear compared to last year, when it was topping the ranking; North America (9.11%) and South America (10.33%) both showed extraordinary growth last year.
