India has become the leading export market for Italy’s textile machinery industry, overtaking China as demand shifts increasingly toward Asia. According to industry association Acimit, Italy remains the world’s fourth-largest exporter of textile machinery, behind China, Germany and Japan.
Global textile machinery trade is expected to reach Euro 26.5 billion in 2025, up 3.4% following two years of decline, with Asia continuing to drive demand. India’s emergence as the top destination for Italian textile machinery exports reflects manufacturers’ growing focus on fast-growing Asian markets. Acimit said the shift reflects broader changes in global demand rather than a short-term cycle, with Asia continuing to drive investment in textile production and remaining the world’s largest market for machinery imports.
While the United States remains the largest single importing country, Asia has consolidated its position as the world’s textile manufacturing hub, accounting for more than half of global machinery imports. Industry executives expect 2026 to remain a challenging year following last year’s production slowdown, with attention already turning to ITMA 2027, the world’s leading textile machinery exhibition, which Italy will host.
For Italy’s textile machinery makers, India’s rise is emerging as a defining feature of their export performance. The industry’s strategy remains centered on technology and high-value manufacturing rather than price competition, as companies position themselves for a recovery expected around ITMA 2027.
