China is an important target market for Italy's plastic and rubber machinery exports. After reaching some peaks in the previous years, it has stabilized between 11 to 12 billion euros since 2004. Specifically, in 2008, it reached a value of approximately 10.4 billion euros. In fact, China became Italy's 7th largest export destination country, accounting for 4.24% of its total.
Besides general types of machinery, according to the customs statistics in 2008, the most important plastic processing equipment exported from Italy to China were calenders and laminators, accounting for about 14% of the total, followed by blow molding machines, which accounted for 8%.
Positive balance for Italian plastic machinery from 2007-2008
Italian plastic and rubber industries rank among the top in the world in terms of both production and exports.
According to data obtained by Assocomaplast's statistical department, the trade surplus exceeded 2 billion euros in 2007. Compared to the previous year, production increased by 9%, and exports grew by 15%.
Based solely on statistics from member companies, after a brief stagnation from 2005 to 2006, employment grew by 1.6% from 2006 to 2007.
The momentum of export growth was maintained mainly through sales to emerging markets, such as Russia (an increase of 90.4% compared to 2006) and Turkey (a growth of 19%), while exports to traditional trading partners also increased, including Germany (growth of 22%), France (growth of 11.1%), Spain (growth of 5.3%). Despite the negative impact of dollar depreciation, exports to the U.S. still grew by 4.2%.
Close commercial relations between Italian machinery manufacturers and Chinese plastic product factories began in the 1980s. This will be proven again when Italy participates in the Chinaplas International Rubber & Plastics Exhibition held in Guangzhou from May 18-21, 2009. More than 20 Italian exhibitors will showcase their innovative products with a net exhibition area exceeding 700 square meters. This Italian delegation is jointly organized by Assocomaplast and the Italian Trade Commission (ICE), sharing an information desk in Hall 4.1.
Building on the strong development momentum in 2008, the majority of Italian manufacturers have already secured orders covering their production capacity for the first half of 2009. The order trends for almost all sub-sectors (injection molding machines, extruders, blow molding machines, recycling equipment, etc.) remain positive in the first two months of 2009. However, it is difficult to make forecasts for the second half of the year, especially considering the potential impact of the U.S. crisis on this market and given the importance of the dollar region to Italian manufacturing.