Latest figures for Italian textile-machinery orders confirm a steep decline that began earlier this year.

The figures, released by national textile-machinery association ACIMIT, indicate that recovery from the depths of 2008/9 stalled in early 2011 and – despite the positive experience reported by most exhibitors at the recent ITMA show in Barcelona – orders have since followed a steady downward trajectory.

But ACIMIT also conducted a survey to assess the level of optimism among its members and the majority of respondents predicted a ΅steadyΆ or improving picture in the fourth quarter, in both the domestic and export markets.

ACIMIT said the downturn, already apparent in the yearΆs second quarter, was accentuated during the summer period from July to September. The overall index of orders for the third quarter showed a 45% decrease compared to the previous period, falling to a value of 70.8 points (where 2005 results = 100 points). The greatest fall was recorded in exports, where the index registered 75.3 points (-46%). On the domestic market, orders fell by 39% to a value of 60.4 points.

The association predicted that the economic context would remain uncertain over the coming months, with growth slackening even in emerging markets where the demand for textile machinery was normally stronger. Among companies surveyed, 34% expected increases in export orders, but only 13% in domestic orders.