In Q4 2024, the machine tool order index developed by the Centro Studi & Cultura di Impresa of Ucimu Sistemi per produrre increased by 11.4 percent compared to October-December 2023, reaching an absolute value of 78.7 (base 100 in 2021).
Domestic orders rose by 33.3 percent (absolute value of 58), while foreign orders fell by 6.5 percent (absolute value of 83.6). On an annual basis, total orders decreased by 5.6 percent compared to 2023, with domestic orders down 3 percent (absolute value of 39.6) and foreign orders down 7.5 percent (absolute value of 84.3).
Riccardo Rosa, president of Ucimu, described the overall 2024 performance as one of the most disappointing in recent years, second only to 2020. However, he noted that foreign markets helped mitigate the decline. While the double-digit growth in Q4 is encouraging, Rosa expressed concerns about weak domestic demand and a slowdown in international markets.
Rosa highlighted external challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties, the potential economic policies of a new U.S. administration, and ongoing tensions in global markets, particularly with China, Russia, and a struggling European automotive sector. He emphasized the need for stronger internationalization efforts, citing the Mexican market initiative launched by Ucimu in late 2024 as a successful example.
Domestically, while Q4 showed some improvement, activity remained modest. Rosa stressed the importance of implementing simplifications for Industry 5.0 incentives to boost internal demand.
Looking ahead, Rosa called for a new industrial policy to support the digital transformation of Italian manufacturing post-4.0 and 5.0 initiatives, emphasizing the need to replace outdated machinery with cutting-edge systems, especially those incorporating AI and data management. He reiterated Ucimu’s readiness to collaborate with the government to ensure competitiveness in manufacturing.
