Ceramic Machinery Sector Faces Downturn in 2023 | Latest News

In 2023, the Italian ceramic technology and supplies industry faced a mild downturn, closing the year with a 1.7% contraction in revenue compared to 2022, reaching €2.31 billion, according to preliminary figures from MECS - Acimac Research Centre. The traditionally export-driven sector experienced a 4.1% decline in exports, totaling €1.62 billion, constituting 70% of total sales. Conversely, the domestic market exhibited growth, increasing by 4.6% to €687 million. The industry, which had a record performance in 2022 despite energy and raw material supply challenges, remained stable in the first half of 2023. However, a second-half contraction, partly influenced by higher interest rates, led to a decline in indices and impacted the global economy, affecting the construction sector, the primary end market for ceramics. MECS forecasts a global loss of 1 billion square meters in ceramic tile production for 2023.

Acimac's Chairman, Paolo Lamberti, acknowledged the satisfaction of consistently achieving sales above €2 billion for three years but expressed caution about the outlook for 2024. Lamberti highlighted factors such as high interest rates, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and market saturation from substantial investments made in previous years. Forecasts suggest a 5.6% decline in global ceramic tile production in 2024, with modest levels expected until 2027. Lamberti emphasized that 2024 would pose challenges for the industry, with a decline in sales anticipated. Despite the cyclical nature of this phase, Lamberti expressed confidence in the industry's ability to overcome challenges, citing ongoing innovation as a crucial factor that distinguishes the Italian ceramic sector globally. The Sassuolo ceramic technology cluster has witnessed groundbreaking inventions in the last three years, propelling the industry towards new heights of excellence and setting it apart from global competitors.