Italy saw sales of earth moving machinery climb 15% last year over that for 2016, according to Unacea, the Italian equipment association.
In 2017, 12,275 earth moving machines were sold, up 15% on a year-on-year basis, while road equipment grew by 5%, with 491 units. Total sales were 12,766.
“At this point, the recovery of the Italian market has to be considered as a consolidate trend” says Paolo Venturi, President of Unacea. “The effort we expect from public authorities, with the aim to consolidate the national market, is the recognition of the technological advances made by the industry. Consequently, we expect a reward policy for virtuous end-user contractors and for the benefit of safety and environment.”
International trade also grew. Italy exported construction equipment worth €2.23 billion between January and October last year. This was up 7% compared on the same period in 2016. Export of road equipment, in particular, records the highest growth rate, with a rise of 26% year-on-year.
Crushing and screening equipment rose 23%, earth-moving machinery was up 13%, tower cranes rose 10% and concrete equipment was up 5%.
However, the export of drilling machines dropped by 21%.
Imports were stable at around €700 million.
