ITALY – The Italian woodworking and furniture technology sector continues to grapple with a challenging economic environment, as the industry sees its ninth consecutive quarter of reduced orders.

This slowdown follows a period of exceptional growth in the two years after the pandemic, where the industry and the economy as a whole experienced a significant surge. Now, the industry appears to be resetting to pre-pandemic levels, with little sign of immediate improvement on the horizon.

Despite this downturn, industry leaders are urging caution against excessive pessimism. “We must not surrender to pessimism, as the values are remaining at significant levels,” said Dario Corbetta, director of Acimall, the association of Italian manufacturers. Corbetta pointed out that while global uncertainty is causing hesitation in investments in industrial equipment, the Italian woodworking industry remains a pillar of national excellence.

According to the latest quarterly survey by the Studies Office of Acimall, the figures for April to June 2024 indicate a 2.8% decrease in overall orders compared to the same period in 2023. International orders held steady, but domestic demand showed a further decline, with orders dropping by 5.9% compared to last year.