According to the quality survey for the January-March period, 19% of the interviewed companies indicate a positive production trend, 35% stable and 46% decreasing production.
Employment is considered stationary by 73% of the sample, falling by 23% and increasing by 4%. Available stocks were stationary according to 54%, decreasing according to 31% and growing according to the remaining 15%.
Short-term trends are identified by the forecast survey: the first evidence is that the strong difference between the domestic market and export will endure. Few operators are confident in the Italian market and they increasingly focus on export. Foreign orders are expected to grow according to 38% of the interviewees, remain stable for 58% and shrink for 3% (negative balance minus 36). 42% predict a shrinking domestic market, while 54% expect substantial stability and only 4% believe that orders will rally in the short term (the balance is minus 38).
The quarterly survey picture is completed by some figures concerning the 2003-2013 period, revealing that, compared to a base index equal to 100 in 2002, the domestic index scored a new negative record (31). The foreign index exceeds 100, nevertheless it is not enough to drive the overall index (domestic and foreign) beyond 79 points.
The index of confidence of companies, based on the historical record of forecast surveys from 2003 until today, shows an upsurge of expectations from across the border, while a pessimistic attitude towards the domestic market can be taken for “granted”: the last balance figure mentioned in this press release (minus 38) is the tenth negative result in a row, and the seventh if we consider negative results beyond minus 20 points.
Acimall, the association that represents the most important Italian manufacturers of technology, automation, machinery, tools, and accessories for processing wood and wood-based products.
