Nov 10, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Acimall, the Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturer’s Association, reported a shrinkage of orders by 47.5% in 3Q compared to the same period of 2008. Orders from abroad collapsed by 50.5%, while the domestic market suffered from a more limited shrinkage by 35%. The trend of orders, compared to the 2Q 2009, showed a negative variation by 1.5%, Acimall said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. From the beginning of the year – according to the answers collected from the statistic sample – prices have remained stable, while ensured production, at the end of 3Q 2009, was around 1.43 months. For the period under scrutiny, 62% of the interviewed companies are pessimistic, 38% expect substantial stability, while nobody predicts an improvement. Employment is stationary according to 55% of the sample and decreasing for 45%. A similar situation for available stocks: stable according to 55% of the interviewees, decreasing for 42% and increasing for 3%. The forecast is not encouraging and indicates that companies do not expect short-term recovery. Looking at international orders, only 7% of the sample sees an improvement from the current situation, versus 59% expecting stability and 34% fearing a further drop of orders (the balance is negative at -27). 45% of the sample predicted a further shrinkage of the Italian market, while 55% are confident that the situation will remain stable (negative balance -45).