ITALY – The analysis of data collected by the Studies Office of Acimall, the association representing the Italian wood-furniture technology industry, was not surprising and confirmed an immediate impact of the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first quarter 2020 closed with a widespread reduction of woodworking machinery and tool orders, a two-digit decrease that involved all international markets.

The quarterly survey – which involves a representative sample of the entire industry – has revealed a strong reduction of orders, by 21.1 percent compared to the same period of 2019.

“It is clear that the widespread shrinkage and later lockdown of production activities has impacted the results, causing a demand crisis that will probably influence the entire year.

The actions of national, European and global governments and institutions to support the economy and each industry will be critical in the near future,” said Dario Corbetta, general director of Acimall.

The quality survey reveals all the fears of industry entrepreneurs: 69 percent expect dropping production, 19 percent predict some stability and only 12 percent believe in a positive trend.