The United States and Gulf countries could suffer a sharp setback due to new tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Germany remains stable, China collapses.
In 2025, Italian mechanical engineering exports grew by 3.2%, in line with the overall increase in national exports of 3.3%. This result shows Italy's superior performance compared to its main European partners, but it does not indicate the sector's complete solidity. Growth is driven by specific geographic areas, while the domestic market remains stagnant.
A significant share of the export surplus is concentrated in the United States , which confirmed its position as the leading destination for Anima mechanical engineering in 2025 with over 4.9 billion euros (+12.3%), but the recent announcement by the White House of additional duties on aluminum and steel articles, some copper articles and some aluminum and steel derivatives could have a strong impact on the export of mechanical engineering represented by Anima Confindustria.
"The 2025 growth reflects a geographical redistribution of demand, with concentration in a few key markets and weakening in others," says Pietro Almici , president of Anima Confindustria. "The data must therefore be interpreted carefully, especially in light of the current macroeconomic environment, characterized by declining industrial expectations and rising costs, but above all by a climate of uncertainty prevailing internationally. The situation in the Gulf countries, a region of great interest for the Italian mechanical engineering industry, could suffer a significant setback; similarly, the recent White House announcement of changes to tariffs on copper, aluminum, and steel products could have a significant impact on our exports."
The sentiment among mechanical engineering companies is moving in this direction: according to the latest survey of member companies, approximately 40% of the sample expects a decline in exports in the first half of the year. Companies are particularly concerned about the future of the American market and the current situation in the Middle East.
Precisely because 2025 confirmed the strength of mechanical engineering exports, the current international scenario is even more critical; however, the sector maintains a structured presence and competitive capacity on global markets, starting with the Persian Gulf area, also through results such as the Memorandum signed between Anima and the Italian-Arab Chamber of Commerce to strengthen internationalization opportunities. Internationally, tensions in the Gulf countries therefore pose a high risk, both for exports and for the potential increase in energy costs —up to €21 billion for Italian companies (Confindustria Flash Economic Outlook, April 2026).
The EU27 countries remain the main market for mechanical engineering, as highlighted by analyses by the Statistics Office of Anima Confindustria: +2.4% and over €17 billion. Germany remains Europe's leading trading partner, with €3.7 billion and essentially stable (+0.2%) through 2024. France declined by 0.8%, while Spain recorded the greatest growth (+11.2%). Poland (€1.16 billion and +4.3%) climbs to seventh place in the Italian export rankings, surpassing China (-14.1%).
Considering Asia and the Middle East , exports are concentrated in a few high-value countries and strategic categories. Saudi Arabia rises to the top destination market, with €1.4 billion in exports and a 4.3% increase compared to 2024. China falls to €1.13 billion, and Singapore collapses (-46.5%), while the greatest growth in 2025 is concentrated in the United Arab Emirates (+27.1%) and Qatar (+18.1%).
Elsewhere in the world, Algeria (+70.6%) and Australia (+10.8%) saw significant growth, joining the top 20 destinations for Italian mechanical engineering. South America also remains a key region. Further strengthening Anima's strategic positioning in South America are: the launch of the EU-Mercosur agreement on May 1st, strongly supported by the government and intended to consolidate one of the largest integrated trade areas globally, with the progressive elimination of tariffs on 91% of products; the Confindustria mission to Argentina and Brazil from September 7th to 11th on industry and energy; Anima's joint participation in the "ROG.e Energy" trade fair; and the Memorandum of Understanding with Adimra (the Association of Metallurgical Industrialists of the Argentine Republic) signed in June 2025.
Finally, turning to imports , Germany remains the leading country of origin with 3.99 billion euros (+9.4%), followed by China and the United States . In terms of geographical areas, the EU27 absorbs the predominant share (56.4% of the total), while East Asia emerges as the second largest supply hub (Processing by the Anima Statistics & Market Intelligence Office based on Istat data).
" The mechanical engineering industry today finds itself in a very critical and uncertain phase , in which export growth is insufficient to offset the structural issues related to energy costs and the lack of a real industrial policy," concludes President Almici. "In a scenario that remains completely unpredictable , a reduction in energy costs is essential, and it is a priority for European institutions to put manufacturing back at the center , to prevent the current tensions from leading us toward a deeper industrial crisis."
ANIMA Confindustria is the trade organization within Confindustria that represents companies in the mechanical and related sectors, a sector that employs 224,006 people, generates a turnover of €59.1 billion, and accounts for approximately 60% of exports (2025 forecast by the Anima Research Office). The major sectors represented by ANIMA are: construction and infrastructure; material handling and logistics; food production; energy production; industrial production; and safety and environment.
Amb preview: amb 2026's key events unveiled
New formats enrich the program. AMB provides new impetus to the entire metal cutting industry. As part of the AMB Preview, Messe Stuttgart presented a preview of AMB 2026, outlining the key events of the international metalworking trade fair. AMB will be held from September 15 to 19, 2026, at Messe Stuttgart's exhibition center. Industry interest remains high: approximately 1,150 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation, and the event spans all 10 halls. Approximately 31% of exhibiting companies come from abroad, and a total of 34 countries will be represented. The extensive supporting program includes over 107 events, with approximately 50 speakers. AMB: an unmissable event in the industry calendar for 2026 "The decision to participate in a trade fair as an exhibitor is no small feat. It requires investment, significant commitment, and represents a deliberate strategic choice. The fact that so many companies have chosen to participate is a clear demonstration of the trust placed in AMB. For over 40 years, AMB has been one of the leading international meeting points for the metal cutting industry, and for good reason: it's the place where the industry wants to meet," says Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart. With 120,000 m² of exhibition space, AMB represents the entire metal cutting process chain. New appointments in the 2026 program: the Defense sector and cooperation with BW_i for the development of international trade relations For the first time, AMB is offering the "Defence & Security Opportunities" format, a platform dedicated to a growing topic. In collaboration with VDMA, Messe Stuttgart is creating a targeted framework to address a crucial question: how can the metal cutting industry contribute to the rapid and reliable expansion of defense production capacities, from individual component production to series production? The format connects defense OEMs and their suppliers directly with AMB exhibitors. Participating companies will present scalable production solutions through introductory talks, followed by two guided tours of selected exhibition halls. The "Defence & Security Opportunities" format will take place on Wednesday, September 16th and Friday, September 18th in a private setting. Participation is subject to prior registration, and spaces are limited. Another new initiative is the collaboration with BW_i – Baden-Württemberg International for the "International Gallery powered by BW_i" initiative. Ten international trade associations will be present at the East Entrance in front of Hall 1. These include organizations from India (VDMA India), Italy (Italcam), Taiwan (TMBA and TAMI), and Spain (AFM). At country-specific Happy Hours, national and international guests will have the opportunity to network and network in an informal atmosphere, exploring the opportunities offered by their respective markets. BW_i will also contribute its own event, underscoring the international character of AMB. The BW_i Happy Hour will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and will include a presentation on Baden-Württemberg as a business and industrial location. Roadshow and AMB Night strengthen dialogue within the sector With the AMB Roadshow, AMB 2026 is bringing its slogan "Where metal comes alive" directly to companies even before the event begins. Over the summer, the project team visited more than ten locations in the region, meeting turners, millers, and machining operators face-to-face and engaging with industry professionals. During AMB, the Roadshow van will be present at the exhibition grounds, offering visitors an additional meeting and exchange point. Another new feature of the 2026 program is the AMB Night, scheduled for Friday afternoon. This initiative is aimed specifically at specialized operators who, after finishing their workday, want to experience the latest innovations and trends in metal-cutting machining firsthand. A special discounted ticket will grant access to both the trade fair and the subsequent AMB Night, during which industry content creators will also be present for a Meet & Greet session with the public. AMB 2026: a program designed for the entire metal cutting industry AMB 2026 offers a rich supporting program, designed to meet the needs and diverse perspectives of the entire industry. "Where metal comes alive" is precisely the concept embodied at AMB, where the entire metal cutting value chain comes together, representing the full diversity and richness of the sector. The VDMA Technology Forum, in Hall 1, will offer practical technical presentations on topics such as the circular economy and cost-effective production. The AMB Stage will feature a different central theme each day: Tuesday will be dedicated to the aerospace sector, while Friday will focus on maintenance. On Wednesday, September 16, the main topic will be artificial intelligence in production. The program will begin at 12:00 with presentations organized by VDMA Software and Digitalization. At 2:00 PM, the panel discussion "Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing: From Hype to Value Creation," organized by WIN-Verlag, will take place on the AMB Stage. Leading experts will discuss topics such as the use of AI in process optimization, predictive maintenance, AI-supported quality assurance, and the profitability of AI-based projects. Following the panel discussion, visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers as part of the "Meet the Expert" initiative, which will take place in the VIP Lounge. Other events on the agenda: from innovation to young talents The Start-up Area, located at the East Entrance, will offer an overview of the latest ideas, technologies, and innovative solutions, while the AMB Award will recognize the most significant innovations and technological developments presented at the fair. The special training show, organized by the Nachwuchsstiftung Maschinenbau and set up in the East Entrance atrium, will make technology a tangible experience: visitors will be able to experience CNC, automation, and digital manufacturing applications firsthand. The Business Breakfast, held in the Region Stuttgart Lounge, will focus on robotics on Wednesday, while on Thursday it will focus on quantum technologies and sensors. The "India Opportunities" seminar is specifically designed for companies interested in developing opportunities in the Indian market. The "Art Meets Technology" competition will also return in 2026, adopting the new slogan "Where Metal Comes Alive" for this edition. The three key themes of AMB – automation, artificial intelligence, and the circular economy – form the common thread running through the entire program and are reflected in the solutions presented by exhibiting companies. About AMB Since 1982, the AMB has presented highlights of the international metalworking industry. "Where Metal Comes Alive" will also be a regular event on the industry agenda in 2026, this year from September 15 to 19. It is the international marketplace and meeting place for metalworking, where the latest products, technologies, innovations, services, and concepts are presented in all their facets. The AMB is supported by the sponsors VDMA Precision Tools, VDMA Software and Digitalization, and VDW Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken eV. Further information is available at www.amb-messe.de
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