The orders for Italian woodworking machines and tools in Q2 2018 decreased 9.9% y-o-y due to orders from abroad dropped 15.5%, the Acimall reported. This figures are balanced by the positive results in domestic market increased by 29.4%.
As the reason of dropping exports in the April-June 2018 Acimall notes the new customs duties on a global scale, the increase of energy products and the financial instability in some emerging countries.
The orders book has gone down to 3.1 months (from 3.4 in the previous quarter), while prices as of January 1st have slightly increased (0.4%).The quality survey for the April-June quarter indicates that, according to 39% of the sample, the expected production trend is positive (stationary according to 56%, decreasing according to 5%). Employment will be stable according to 67% of the sample, increasing for 33%: no one seems to fear a reduction of employment. Available stocks will remain stable according to 72% of interviewed companies, while 6% expect a decrease and 22% an increase.
According to Acimall survey, 17% of the sample expects an increase of foreign orders, while they will be stable for 72% and decreasing for 11% (the balance is plus 6, versus plus 29 in the previous quarter). Similar caution on the domestic market: 83% predict a period of substantial stability, 6% bet on growth and the remaining 11% fear a reduction (the balance is negative at minus 5, versus plus 11 in the previous quarter).
