17% to reach 3,178 units in the first quarter of 2019 compared to Q1 last year.
In more detail, 3,058 of the units sold were earth-moving machines with the rest being 120 road equipment.
“The growth of the Italian market in the first quarter it a very positive signal,” said Antonio Strati, councillor of Unacea, the Italian Construction Equipment Association which also has responsibility for statistics activities.
“Although concerns remain over the general economic trend, we expect that the awaited relaunch in construction investment can support this positive trend of the market.”
Italian exports of construction equipment in January reached €187 million, a small drop of 1% compared January 2018. Growth areas included road machines (up 47%), concrete equipment (21%) and tower cranes (2%).
Decreases in exports were found in earth-moving machines (-8%) and of drilling equipment (-18%).
Also imports decreased, down 13% in January this year. Trade balance surplus amount to €126 million, up 6% year-on-year.
Unacea is a member of CECE, the Committee for European Construction Equipment, which brings together national associations in 13 countries representing about 1,200 companies, for a total turnover of about €23 billion.
