In the final quarter of 2006, the orders of Italian woodworking machinery and tools recorded a 6.6 percent increase over the same period of the previous year. Though still positive, this result indicates a slowdown of the expansion trend that had characterized the last six quarters.
A key contribution was given by foreign orders, which grew by 10.9 percent according to the survey carried out on the traditional sample of companies that represent the entire industry. A different trend on the domestic market, which suffered from 8.8 percent shrinkage, also compared to the same quarter of 2005.
As to prices, the Italian companies interviewed by the Acimall Studies Office indicated a 2.5 percent increase. A minor reduction also affected the orders book: the months of ensured production went down to 3.1 from 3.4 in the July-September term of 2006.
The quality survey completed the picture of the Acimall analysis: according to 65 percent of the interviewees, production will be stable, while 35 percent believe it will grow. Fortunately, no one expects a reduction. Available stocks are stationary according to 69%, decreasing according to 21% and growing according to 10%.
Employment is considered as stationary by 90 percent of the sample, growing by 10 percent. Another encouraging factor in this case is that woodworking machinery and technology companies expect no employment reduction.
The next period, according to the sample, should still bring significant satisfaction. This is the opinion of 35 percent of the surveyed companies, which see a further improvement of the situation. Nothing will change according to 62 percent, and only 3 percent fear a decline (positive balance +32). In the coming months, the Italian market is expected to have a constant trend according to 65 percent of the interviewees, a rally for 28 percent and a shrinkage for the remaining 8 percent (positive balance, +21).
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