Machine tools: stationary the second quarter (+0.7%)

In the second quarter of 2013 the index of orders for machine tools, developed by the Centre for Studies & Culture of Ucimu-Sistemi per Produrre is increased by 0.7 per cent, only thanks to the positive results collected abroad. The absolute index is equal to 72 (base 2005 = 100).

In particular, the index of domestic orders recorded a decrease of 21.2 percent compared to the already difficult second quarter of 2012, the absolute value, equal to 41.3, is the lowest ever recorded, confirming the strong weakness of the domestic market.

On the foreign front, the index orders instead, marks an increase of 6.2 percent, thereby breaking the streak that began in the second quarter last year. The absolute value, equal to 83.4, but is well below the average.

On a semiannual basis, the index recorded a decrease of 6 per cent, determined by the poor response obtained by the builders on the Italian market (-29.6%) and weak foreign demand (-1%).