#Associations

2015-02-09

Textile machinery sector: only domestic orders on the rise for 4th quarter in 2014

Italian textile machinery – the index of orders at constant value (bases 2010=100) (c) 2015 ACIMIT

For the textile machinery sector, the year’s fourth quarter resulted in a decline in orders, mainly due to a negative performance recorded in foreign sales. These findings have been reported in an economic survey conducted by ACIMIT, the Italian Association representing the industry, indicating a 4% drop over the previous quarter. The value of the orders index for the period from October to December 2014 came in at 85.0 points (basis: 2010=100).

This decline in the index can be blamed on the overall negative performance recorded for this period in markets abroad, where orders effectively came in at an index value of 92.7 points (-6% over the previous period). On the other hand, domestic orders rebounded compared to the third quarter (+34%), for a value of 50.8 points.

ACIMIT President Raffaella Carabelli explained the positive data for the domestic market, “The growth in orders in Italy over the last segment of 2014 appears to be a good sign for 2015, during which we will reach an apex with ITMA, the premier trade fair in the industry, to be held in Milan from the 12th to 19th of November. This climate of greater confidence at a macroeconomic level seems likely to become contagious for various sectors of our economy,” continues Carabelli. “I’m certain that the entire textile industry can benefit from the current global economic trends, and I’m referring especially to the weaker European currency and lower interest rates.”

Optimism is the key word for Italy’s textile machinery sector on the eve of hosting ITMA; a sense of optimism that is already evidenced by the event’s updated figures. Indeed, the Milan edition will exceed the 100,000 sq. meter threshold (the previous edition held in Barcelona in 2011 covered 80,000 sq. m of exhibition space).

By end of January, 388 Italian exhibitors had confirmed their commitment to participate in the event, out of a total of 1500 participants, for an overall growth in acquired exhibition surface area of 48% compared to the previous edition. Lastly, requests for increased exhibition space already optioned and demands put forward by new exhibitors continue to pile into an already crowded waiting list.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.

Italian textile machinery innovation takes center stage in Frankfurt for Techtextil 2026

The Italian textile machinery industry is gearing up for a key event on the international trade fair calendar: Techtextil 2026, taking place from April 21–24 in Frankfurt, Germany. A prestigious representation of Italian companies will participate in the German exhibition—a global benchmark for technical and innovative textiles—to present cutting-edge technologies dedicated to an ever-expanding market.

Textile machinery: the upcoming Colombiatex 2026 speaks Italian

Numerous Italian textile machinery companies will be attending the upcoming Colombiatex, the premier trade fair for the Colombian textile supply chain, held in Medellin from January 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s edition further confirms the strong bond between local textile manufacturers and Italian technology providers.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

VDMA members at Techtextil: Smart technologies for technical textiles

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.