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In the first quarter of 2026, machine tool orders increased (+3.1%), foreign orders (+28.9%) and domestic orders (-28.8%).

Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU : "Domestic demand, which is completely stalled, is once again being hit by the 'wait-and-see' effect of incentives." In the first quarter of 2026, the machine tool orders index compiled by the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE Study & Business Culture Centre showed an increase of 3.1% compared to the January-March 2025 period . In absolute value, the index stood at 87.1 (base 100 in 2021). The result was determined exclusively by the manufacturers' good performance on the foreign market; on the other hand, the collection of orders on the domestic market was decidedly negative. In particular, orders collected across borders marked an increase of 28.9% , compared to the first quarter of 2025, for an absolute value of 95.9. Conversely, order intake in Italy decreased by 28.8% compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index stood at 67.3. Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: "The first-quarter order index is growing, and this is certainly a positive figure, but absolutely not satisfactory for Italian manufacturers. Exports are booming, but for how long? Meanwhile, Italy is stuck at the mercy of government authorities' announcements regarding hyper-depreciation, which, just as happened with Transition 5.0, are slow to arrive." The increase in cross-border activity, despite the climate of geopolitical instability we face daily, demonstrates the ability of Italian manufacturers to capture demand where it can most easily materialize, focusing on the areas and sectors most likely to invest. This is an important and meticulous effort that our companies have been carrying out for several months now, leveraging all the opportunities and knowledge available to them. And since foreign demand is still being met despite everything, it seems even more evident that the stalled domestic demand is due to the wait for clarification on the hyper-depreciation measure. "How is it possible to find ourselves in the same situation as in 2025, hanging on to the constant announcements and retractions of our government authorities? As it was conceived," continued Riccardo Rosa, "the hyper-depreciation measure should support innovation in our industry, but instead it forces companies to wait, suspended between an implementing decree and a ministerial decree, effectively freezing negotiations, which are currently numerous. In short, Italian users are willing to invest, but nothing will move until all the technical details of the measure are communicated." "We warmly welcomed the government's decision to equip the manufacturing system with a measure, such as hyper-depreciation, with a multi-year implementation period, from 2026 to 2028. But," Rosa notes, "this wait, which will effectively extend well into the first half of 2026, has immediately brought us back to the truly frustrating experience of Industry 5.0." "The point is that the manufacturing world, as Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini has already stated, is not only concerned about the geopolitical context but is also disheartened by the slow pace of action by government representatives, both nationally and at European level." "This quarter," Rosa stated, "Italian manufacturers have received orders thanks to foreign demand, despite all the difficulties we mentioned earlier. But what would happen if the conflict in Iran were to continue? It would no longer be a matter of facing a total or partial market closure. Instead, we would be faced with a much worse situation. For this reason, it is crucial to immediately implement all the necessary measures to implement the hyper-depreciation incentive, thus enabling Italian companies to make the investments they intend to plan and which are currently on hold." "Furthermore," concluded the UCIMU president, "we ask government authorities in Europe to champion the need to rely on a strong Union, determined to define shared policies and programs that will allow us to best address global geopolitical instability before it overwhelms us."

METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 opens on May 12th at Romexpo Bucharest

From May 12th to 15th, the trade fair brings together equipment and technologies for companies seeking higher production efficiency, lower costs, and better-informed industrial investments.METAL SHOW & TIB 2026, Romania’s largest technical trade fair dedicated to the metalworking industry, industrial equipment, and manufacturing technologies, opens on Tuesday, May 12, at Romexpo Bucharest. Over four days, from May 12 to 15, B2 Hall will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, integrators, and technical specialists for an event focused on evaluating technologies and equipment that directly impact productivity, costs, and the organization of industrial production.For a growing number of factories, the key issue is no longer production capacity alone, but efficiency. Cost pressure, labor shortages, the need for automation, and the requirement to achieve more with the same resources are changing the criteria used to assess industrial investments. The focus is now on cost per part, degree of automation, process stability, execution times, and the ability to scale output without a proportional increase in headcount.Against this backdrop, METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 is aimed at companies that are sourcing technologies, comparing suppliers, and approving investments. Visitors can see equipment in operation, assess the differences between technologies, and speak directly with the companies that manufacture, integrate, or commission them. For managers responsible for allocating modernization budgets, the trade fair offers the opportunity to compare equipment, applications, and technology options side by side, in one place.The 2026 edition will showcase technologies and equipment covering the entire production chain in the metalworking industry and related industrial processes. The laser and plasma cutting area will feature equipment for fast and precise cutting. The CNC machine tools segment is dedicated to precision machining and productivity in repetitive operations. Welding and joining technologies focus on execution control and process stability, while the precision tooling area emphasizes machining performance and accuracy.The trade fair will also feature industrial robotics systems for automating repetitive operations, automation equipment and applications for integrating machinery and organizing workflow, as well as sheet metal processing technologies, from bending and stamping to cutting. The machining area will include equipment for turning, milling, and drilling, while the industrial software segment will cover design, programming, planning, and production control. The offering is completed by metrology and quality control equipment, raw materials, and industrial suppliers.For companies planning modernization investments, participation in METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 provides fast access to technical information, direct supplier comparison, and a clearer view of the technologies currently available on the market. It offers an evaluation framework for companies looking to reduce production costs, eliminate process bottlenecks, and increase efficiency without compromising precision or control.METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 will bring together more than 160 exhibiting companies across an area of over 12,000 square meters, with participants from 14 countries. According to the organizers, 22% of the exhibiting companies are taking part for the first time, while 49.6% of visitors are decision-makers.The event is intended for entrepreneurs, general managers, executive directors, procurement directors, department heads, specialists, and technicians involved in the selection, evaluation, or operation of industrial technologies.Visiting hours are Tuesday to Thursday, May 12th to 14th, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, May 15th, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free with an invitation downloaded online from the event’s official website or via the ROMEXPO APP.

BI-MU futuretech award: innovation takes center stage

The competition, in its first edition, celebrates the cutting-edge solutions exhibited at 35.BI-MU. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 16th. The BI-MU FUTURETECH AWARD 2026 will debut at 35.BI-MU, the biennial machine tool exhibition taking place at Fieramilano Rho from October 13th to 16th. This award celebrates the most innovative manufacturing solutions exhibited in the fair's pavilions. Designed to promote technological development in the field of machine tools, robots, and automation, the competition undoubtedly emphasizes the value of the event, which confirms its ability to document and anticipate technological advances in the world of industrial production. The BI-MU FUTURETECH AWARD is open to all exhibitors (direct and indirect) at 35.BI-MU and is divided into three categories: Mechanical Technology – includes solutions related to the creation of machine tools and their accessories, production systems for the mechanical industry (including robotics and additive manufacturing), and the processes they perform; Digitalization of Processes or Services – includes enabling technologies such as IoT, AI, Digital Twin, and design/simulation systems, machine vision, and advanced automation, as well as all applications (such as smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, consistent quality, etc.) that lead to production efficiency, competitiveness, and the creation of added value from data; Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability – includes efficient, upgradeable, and reliable machines capable of reducing costs, consumption, and emissions, as well as safe, inclusive, and regulatory-compliant work environments. The finalists will be selected by a Judging Committee composed of five university professors, who will conduct a documentary pre-selection of the submitted projects. The winners, three for each category, will be chosen only after a technical evaluation of the solutions presented directly at the stands during the fair. The winners will receive official recognition, several prizes, and a package of visibility initiatives aimed at promoting their innovation. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday, October 16, the last day of the event, at the BI-MUpiù arena.

Beyond the Machinery: ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE Highlights Revealed

Is Polish industry afraid of artificial intelligence? How can profits hidden in process errors be recovered, and why can’t a modern factory exist without the support of scientists? The upcoming edition of ITM Industry Europe 2026 is much more than just a machine exhibition. It offers four days of intensive crash tests, intellectual sparring between manufacturing practitioners, and presentations of technologies that only yesterday seemed like a futuristic vision. This year’s programme challenges conventional wisdom and focuses on hard, market-driven practice.A varied programme and dynamic demonstrations in special zones add a unique twist to what has long been the cornerstone of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE – a massive exhibition featuring several hundred top brands from around the world. The entire event centres around four halls: AUTOMA, MACH-TOOL, SURFEX, and WELDING, which comprehensively showcase the state of modern engineering.– We are eager for this year’s event to make a significant impact on the industry. Access to knowledge and solutions is key for us, which is why we have launched free accreditation for professionals. We want everyone with an interest in modern industrial technologies to be able to make the most of the trade fair’s extensive programme – both the offerings at exhibitors’ stands and the packed programme of seminars, debates and presentations on the fair’s stages in dedicated zones – emphasises Anna Lemańska-Kramer, Deputy Director of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE.The ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE fair will take place from 26 to 29 May 2026 at the MTP Poznań Expo. At the same time, visitors will also be able to attend the Modernlog, Subcontracting, and European Science Fair exhibitions. The Factory Under Pressure from AI – a preview of the DBR77 zone at ITM 2026During the upcoming ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 fair in Poznań, the third day of events on the main stage will feature an intense debate on the future of Polish industry. Organised by DBR77, the meeting under the slogan “The Factory Under Pressure – Is Polish Industry Afraid of Artificial Intelligence?” will become a focal point for substantive discussions on the real impact of AI on the efficiency of production facilities. The programme for the event, scheduled for 28 May, has been designed as a dynamic space for the exchange of experiences between technology leaders and business practitioners, focusing on the operational and technological aspects of digital transformation.The event will open with a presentation on the role of artificial intelligence in modern production management, flowing seamlessly into a series of expert panel discussions. The first panel will focus on the robotisation and adaptability of vision systems, while the next will examine the conditions necessary for the effective implementation of AI in anomaly detection and operational planning processes. The programme will conclude with a logistics debate on decision automation in warehouses and an open practical training session, during which DBR77 experts will demonstrate specific tools supporting the day-to-day work of management staff.“Our aim at this year’s ITM is to demystify artificial intelligence and present it as a concrete tool that is already solving real-world problems on the shop floor today. We do not wish to speculate about the distant future; that is why we have invited companies to participate in panels demonstrating tangible results from their implementations. The DBR77 zone is intended to be a place where technology meets hard data and business practice, proving that Polish industry not only need not fear AI, but can gain a significant competitive advantage thanks to it – announces Katarzyna Szwarocka, CMO & R&D Specialist at DBR77.The organisers are placing particular emphasis on the visual aspect of the presentations, encouraging participants to share video footage, system demonstrations, and specific case studies. Thanks to this approach, visitors to the main stage on the third day of the fair will have a unique opportunity to see how advanced algorithms and autonomous systems function in a real production and logistics environment, operating under time pressure and high efficiency requirements.Assembly Arena – A Strategic Concept for the Assembly Innovation ZoneAlongside promoting theoretical ideas, the ITM Industry Europe trade fair focuses on practical engineering within the Assembly Arena – an innovative concept for assembly innovation. This is a dedicated demonstration and networking space, designed as a comprehensive response to the growing needs of the modern manufacturing market in terms of efficiency, quality, and process ergonomics. The Assembly Arena zone is organised under the patronage of the following companies:GM Automatyka, an expert in the integration of industrial automation systems, and KWG Group, a supplier of innovative solutions for manufacturing, specialising in ergonomics, assembly tools, and process optimisation. Assembly Arena has been designed as an interactive platform where engineers, production managers, and operations directors can explore a full range of automation solutions, covering both robotic and manual processes. The thematic scope of the zone is extensive and includes, among other things, advanced automation of threaded connections, pick-to-light systems, smart component positioning and clamping techniques, and specialist measurement and vision systems.This zone becomes a true arena where partners’ ready-made solutions meet real production challenges, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the synergy between humans and machines in conditions close to reality. The Assembly Arena concept goes beyond the traditional exhibition format, serving as an interactive educational space that promotes the idea of Lean Robotics and the digital transformation of assembly processes through the implementation of AI systems in quality control. Visitors from key sectors, such as automotive, household appliances, medtech, and furniture, will be able to test hybrid workstations utilising 3D cameras and operator-support tools that have a tangible impact on improving ergonomics and minimising errors. Assembly Arena is a place where people come for concrete solutions, where innovators, integrators, and end customers build a collaborative ecosystem, shaping the modern face of manufacturing facilities.REPETYTORIUM: Don’t tighten the screw, optimise the processA key highlight of this year’s ITM Industry Europe programme will be REPETYTORIUM, an original content format initiated by Jakub Giełbaga, an experienced process practitioner who has spent years analysing and optimising workflows on production floors and within company management teams. Under the provocative slogan “Don’t tighten the screw, optimise the process”, this event moves away from traditional conferences or panels based on slide presentations. REPETYTORIUM has been designed as an intensive intellectual sparring session and a form of mastermind, where knowledge is not lectured but developed through dynamic conversation with invited guests – industry practitioners, business owners, and operational managers.This initiative is a direct response to a real gap in Polish industry: the lack of a space for honest, unfiltered discussion about why, despite costly investments, companies often fail to achieve the expected efficiency. The event format comprises five one-hour thematic blocks, each offering nearly 30 minutes of substantive debate between leaders, followed by time for in-depth interaction with the audience. The programme focuses on specific business challenges, such as identifying hidden production losses, process flexibility, fostering a culture of eliminating micro-downtime, and the analysis of lost benefits (WUKO).A particular highlight will be a session dedicated to misguided manufacturing investments that, rather than optimising operations, create chaos – aimed at encouraging decision-makers to make responsible, process-oriented choices. REPETYTORIUM at ITM Industry Europe 2026 does not compete with the machinery fair but reinforces its purpose, demonstrating that modern industry is not just about advanced technology, but above all about the rigorous logic of the process and managerial maturity. This is an offering for those seeking a ‘roadmap’ and wishing to understand the real mechanisms governing modern production.Welding Exhibition: The Pillars of Certification and Quality Standards in WeldingFor years, the welding industry has been one of the key pillars of the ITM Industry Europe trade fair, bringing together leading players from the metalworking and steel construction sectors. An integral part of this year’s Welding Exhibition will be a two-day technical meeting designed for engineering staff and quality control specialists: “Welding – Certification of Manufacturers, Processes and Personnel According to European Standards: Current Status and New Developments.” The event will take place on 27 and 28 May in the Welding Speakers’ Corner. It is organised by GSI SLV Polska Sp. z o.o., a recognised certification body that has been supporting Polish heavy industry since 2005. Experts from SLV Polska, with many years of experience in metal processing and a wide range of accreditations, will present the current requirements regarding the supervision of production processes and the certification of NDT and welding personnel. The meeting will focus on the practical aspects of implementing European standards, which are essential for confirming the technical competence of plants and their employees within the supply chain for modern industry.Technology in Action: From Advanced Coating Technology to Interactive Demonstration and Networking ZonesThe ITM Industry Europe 2026 programme is complemented by a series of special zones where innovations are tested under real-world conditions. The Industrial Coating Association will run a comprehensive educational programme, combining specialist lectures with dynamic surface treatment demonstrations. In parallel, the editorial team of MM Industrial Magazine will host a series of in-depth discussions with market leaders as part of the MM Speakers’ Corner, providing a platform for the exchange of key business insights. An element of healthy competition and practical component testing will be offered by the Pneumat & BECKHOFF GAMES zone, where advanced pneumatics meets precision control through interactive automation stations.Operational safety and the protection of personnel will be the focus of the Safety Zone, organised in collaboration with Troax Poland. The highlight of this programme will be spectacular live crash tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of fencing systems and flexible barriers in critical situations. A technological complement to modern production lines will be the Collaborative Robot Zone, located in the AUTOMA Hall, with Schmalz as its main partner. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to compare over a dozen cobot models from leading brands, observing them in dynamic industrial applications. These interactive spaces demonstrate that modern industry is not just about technology, but above all about its safe and effective integration with human labour.The trade fair’s networking programme will feature the next instalment of an event that proved hugely successful last autumn: LinkedIn Local for Industry, taking place at the heart of the sector on 26 May. This is a space where engineers, manufacturing experts, and business owners can join forces to exchange experiences. Participants can expect a solid dose of substantive content and the opportunity for conversations that develop into real business partnerships.Science and Industry: The Cornerstone of the Modern EconomyThe European Science Fair, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and the MTP Group, will run alongside ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE and is a key element of this year’s technology festival. – This is the second edition of this initiative; the first proved to be a great success, confirming the enormous potential in combining these two worlds – notes Anna Lemańska-Kramer. The exhibition will focus on the achievements of research institutes, universities, and start-ups that address the needs of modern business, In the era of burgeoning Industry 5.0, the innovative discoveries showcased at the fair have the potential for rapid implementation in factories, providing a technological advantage for Polish enterprises. Only an economy capable of global competition and built on strong partnerships with Polish science can fully realise the country’s potential. For this reason, this year’s event is becoming a strategic space for the commercialisation of research and the removal of barriers between science and industry. – A new feature of the European Science Fair 2026 is the ‘duet’ stands. These are shared exhibition spaces designed for science–business teams and university/institute–company partnerships, allowing the entire innovation process to be presented: from the research concept to actual implementation within a company. It is an integrated format that combines scientific achievements with commercial success, showcasing both research findings and solutions used by businesses on a daily basis – adds Anna Lemańska-Kramer.

The circular economy is one of the central themes of AMB 2026.

Sustainability, digitalization and automation: the key topics of AMB // AMB 2026 will also focus on the exchange of ideas and current developments "Where metal comes alive": with this new slogan, AMB opens its doors in Stuttgart from September 15 to 19, 2026. Across all ten exhibition halls, AMB offers a comprehensive overview of current technologies and highlights industry trends such as sustainability, digitalization, and automation. These concepts are brought to life through concrete application examples: sustainability is presented in the context of recycling and the circular economy, while in digitalization, the fair focuses on artificial intelligence in manufacturing, and collaborative processes serve as a vivid example of modern automation. We delve into one of these topics in a conversation with Markus Heseding , General Manager of VDMA Präzisionswerkzeuge : we talk about the circular economy, carbide sourcing and tool recycling, as well as the role of AMB 2026 as a reference event for the sector. Messe Stuttgart: Mr. Heseding, in your opinion, what will shape the sustainability debate in 2026, and what are the most important topics for the VDMA in the recycling sector? Sustainability has become a strategic economic factor. In 2026, the challenge will be to reconcile environmental responsibility, security of supply, and competitiveness. For the precision tools industry, three issues are clearly central: the recycling and return of tool packaging, the sourcing of hard metals for the metalworking industries, and the Product Carbon Footprint as a basis for transparent and comparable CO2 data. Messe Stuttgart: In the following interview, we'd like to focus on the first two points. You've always emphasized that every gram of carbide remaining in Europe is an asset. What specifically is needed to keep tungsten in the European supply chain, and where can the industry start? Competition for tungsten is increasing globally, especially because other sectors, such as the defense industry, are significantly expanding their demand. At the same time, Europe has very few primary tungsten mining projects, and our heavy dependence on Chinese supplies is risky. This is currently leading to significantly rising costs, a lack of price stability, significant supply uncertainty, and a complete lack of predictability. This is particularly critical because carbide tools are key components in the metalworking industry, in virtually all machining processes. In this context, recycling is becoming even more important. Carbide recycling in Europe has been an environmental and economic success for decades. Europe therefore needs resilient supply models that combine the circular economy, technological innovation, and fair industrial partnerships. This is why keeping tungsten in the European cycle is so crucial. Carbide scrap is a strategic resource: every gram that remains in Europe strengthens our industrial sovereignty. In recycling, we need more effective take-back systems, higher collection rates, and consistent quality standards. Our customers can also make a significant contribution by selling their carbide scrap to European partners. Our motto: "Those who commit to the European cycle remain strong in the tool technology sector!" Messe Stuttgart: In addition to tungsten recovery, the question of how to successfully market tool packaging made from recycled materials is increasingly emerging. What steps are needed to effectively promote the use of recycled materials in the metalworking industry? What are the main objectives of your packaging recycling working group? When using recycled materials, technical feasibility is rarely the issue. The challenge lies in the fact that tool packaging has a low market value, and recycling is often difficult to demonstrate as an economically viable activity. Additional obstacles include scalability, availability, and consistent quality standards. It is particularly important to collect sufficient quantities of pure material for reliable production. In the VDMA "Tool Packaging Recycling" working group, we collaborate with partners along the value chain to find viable solutions. A field trial has implemented, for the first time, a functioning system for the return and recycling of used packaging made from post-consumer recycled material, which is then tested and reprocessed. This creates a valid basis for a closed-loop system. Today, pioneering companies already offer tool packaging made entirely from recycled materials: some manufacturers have already completed the transition. These solutions will be clearly presented at AMB 2026. Messe Stuttgart: How can these three topics—hard metal recycling, recycled packaging, and CFP—be highlighted at AMB? Which practical initiatives or projects will VDMA focus on in 2026? Many companies will be presenting their latest developments at AMB, making the trade fair particularly interesting. We will also be exploring this aspect in depth at the VDMA Technology Forum, at booth B50 of the L-Bank Forum (Hall 1). We will demonstrate how sustainability, the circular economy, and digitalization can be concretely implemented in the precision tools industry. Digitalization supports these topics through transparent material flows, digital documentation, and standardized processes along the entire value chain. Numerous VDMA member companies and research partners will be presenting their solutions. We will also be showcasing the cutting-edge results of our recently completed research project on increasing the efficiency of hard metal recycling. Messe Stuttgart: To what extent can AMB, as a leading trade fair for the industry, accelerate the exchange and development of solutions to these challenges? What role do cross-industry dialogue and personal interaction play at AMB? One advantage is that AMB brings together the entire metalworking process chain. The majority of visitors will come from Germany, the beating heart of the industry. Equally important will be the international visitors, who traditionally come in large numbers from Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, but also from the Netherlands, France, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. AMB excels at bringing together technological innovation, international reach, and the entire industrial production process chain. Especially in a period when the industry is simultaneously subjected to economic, geopolitical and industrial policy pressures, this exchange is indispensable. We all hope that AMB can provide a significant economic boost. It's a place where companies can evaluate investments in future technologies, experiment with new applications, and strategically position themselves for the next stages of development. About AMB Since 1982, AMB has presented the highlights of the international metalworking industry. "Where metal comes alive": It will also be a permanent fixture on the industry's agenda in 2026, this year from September 15 to 19. It is the international marketplace and meeting place for metalworking, showcasing the latest products, technologies, innovations, services, and concepts in all their facets. AMB is supported by sponsors VDMA Präzisionswerkzeuge, VDMA Software und Digitalisierung, and VDW Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V. (German Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association).

In 2025, exports of valves and taps reached €6.2 billion (+5.2% compared to 2024). Exports of valves and taps for civil use are also growing, exceeding €3.2 billion (+6% compared to 2024).

AVR – Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers Association – will be a key player at MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, held from March 24th to 27th in Milan. In 2025, after years of contraction, exports of valves and taps for civil use to Germany will return to positive territory, with a value of 153 million euros and a growth of 12% compared to 2024 and +20% compared to 2020. Saudi Arabia is the leading destination country in terms of revenue, followed by the United States and China; Concerns remain high about the impact of geopolitical instability on strategic markets such as the Middle East, an area which overall is worth 874.9 million euros for the civil valves and taps sector alone; Other concerns include rising energy costs, currency instability, tariff uncertainty, logistical difficulties, the lack of real free movement of goods, and an unclear European regulatory framework, often perceived as poorly aligned with industry needs. AVR, in the presence of 13 international associations belonging to the International Valves and Taps Alliance, proposes to create the first "World Forum dedicated to valves and taps". The Italian valve and faucet sector remains a leading international player. According to data from the Statistics Office of Anima Confindustria, released by AVR —the Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers' Association, affiliated with Anima —during MCE–Mostra Convegno Expocomfort , exports of the valve and faucet sector (which includes valves for construction, industrial valves, sanitary taps, and fittings) will reach nearly €6.2 billion in 2025, up 5.2% from 2024, with an estimated total turnover of €9.55 billion. Exports of valves and faucets for residential use alone exceeded €3.2 billion (+6% from 2024). Considering only residential valves and faucets, Saudi Arabia is the leading destination country in 2025, followed by the United States and China. Among the countries, the German market , after years of contraction, is returning to positive territory, with exports of €153 million and a 12% growth compared to 2024 and a 20% growth compared to 2020, reaffirming its position as the reference market for Italian exports of residential valves and faucets. This trend could offer a significant contribution to the European sector and offset, at least in part, the impact of geopolitical instability on strategic markets such as the Middle East , an area worth €874.9 million to Italy overall. Furthermore, among the countries that recorded the most positive export performances in 2025, Norway also stands out, with a 59% increase. Besides geopolitical instability and its impact on strategic markets, what other concerns do industry entrepreneurs have? 2026 will also see rising energy costs, currency instability, tariff uncertainty, logistical challenges, the lack of true free movement of goods, and an unclear European regulatory framework, often perceived as poorly aligned with industry needs. In a complex scenario like this, it is crucial to strengthen dialogue and collaboration beyond national borders, creating concrete opportunities for discussion and cooperation between businesses, institutions, and trade associations. The goal is to jointly address sensitive issues for the sector (such as PFAS, nuclear power, and lead) and identify common solutions and best practices, recognized and adopted internationally. It is precisely in this direction that AVR is committed to creating the first Global Forum dedicated to valves and faucets . This meeting aims to leverage international experiences and offer shared tools to address the main challenges common to all businesses operating in countries around the world. "The Italian valves and taps sector confirms its position as an international benchmark, thanks to highly specialized manufacturing capabilities, a strong focus on innovation, and a consolidated presence in key foreign markets, " stated Sandro Bonomi, President of AVR . " The 2025 data confirm the sector's solidity, but at the same time highlight how complex and constantly evolving the global landscape remains. In this scenario, for a highly export-oriented sector like ours, it is essential to be able to rely on conditions that support the competitiveness of companies and enhance their presence on international markets. The discussions launched at MCE with the International Valves and Taps Alliance are moving precisely in this direction: strengthening dialogue between the sector's key stakeholders and sharing a common vision of the industrial, technical, and commercial challenges that lie ahead." AVR is the federated industrial association of ANIMA Confindustria, representing Italian companies in the valve and faucet industry, with over 80 member companies. In 2025, the sector, which includes building valves, industrial valves, sanitary faucets, and fittings, is projected to generate revenues of €9.55 billion, with exports accounting for nearly €6.2 billion, more than 60% of total revenues (estimate by the Anima Confindustria Research Office). The member associations of the International Valves and Taps Alliance: AVR – Italian Valve and Tap Manufacturers Association, AGRIVAL (Spain), BVAA (UK), CIPHE (UK), EVOLIS (France), FLUIDEX (Spain), IAPMO (USA), JVMA (Japan), POMSAD (Turkey), SAI, Valves and Fittings (Sweden), SPAP (Poland), URS (Switzerland), VDMA (Germany), VMA (USA). ANIMA Confindustria Meccanica Varia is the trade organization within Confindustria (Italian Confederation of Mechanical Engineering) that represents companies in the mechanical and related sectors, a sector that employs 221,700 people, generates a turnover of €56 billion and accounts for 60% of exports (data from the Anima Research Office). The main sectors represented by ANIMA are: construction and infrastructure; material handling and logistics; food production; energy production; industrial production; and safety and environment.