#Associations

2026-01-15

Textile machinery: the upcoming Colombiatex 2026 speaks Italian

Numerous Italian textile machinery companies will be attending the upcoming Colombiatex, the premier trade fair for the Colombian textile supply chain, held in Medellin from January 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s edition further confirms the strong bond between local textile manufacturers and Italian technology providers.

Despite a contraction in demand from the Colombian textile sector during 2024, the South American country remains one of the region’s key markets for textile machinery manufacturers. The most recent data indicates a sharp trend reversal: in the first half of 2025, Italian sales in Colombia reached 6 million euros, marking a +48% growth compared to the same period of the previous year. Should this growth rate remain steady, the value of Italian exports could approach the record levels seen in 2022 (18 million euros).

“The Colombian textile and clothing industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, supported by a technological upgrading in which Italian machinery has often played a leading role,” comments Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT. “For many of our companies, Colombiatex remains an essential event on the international trade fair calendar to strengthen the partnership with Colombian textile firms.”

Following many past editions, ICE – Italian Trade Agency, in collaboration with ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), will once again organize a national Italian Pavilion in the Pabellon Amarillo for 2026. A total of 22 Italian companies will be present within the pavilion: Ugolini Srl, Lonati Spa, Plm Impianti Srl, 3G Dosing Automation Srl, Santoni Spa, Laip Srl, Salvadè Srl, Cubotex Srl, BTSR International Spa, Reggiani Macchine Spa, Monti-Mac Srl, Ratti Luino Srl, Tonello Srl, Itema Spa, Noseda Srl, Kairos Engineering Srl, MCS Officina Meccanica Spa, LGL Electronics Spa, Waternext Spa, Lafer Spa, Fadis Spa, FICIT Srl. The strength of Italian participation is reaffirmed by all the ACIMIT member companies that will exhibit in individual stands or through their local agents, including: Brazzoli Srl, Color Service Srl, Martex Srl, Monti Antonio Spa, Morgan Tecnica Spa.

Italian textile machinery: Orders index declines in 2025 third quarter

In the third quarter of 2025, the orders index for textile machinery – compiled by ACIMIT’s Economics Department (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) – recorded a 16% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. In absolute terms, the index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021 = 100).

The Italian Textile Machinery industry on display at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025

100 Italian companies will exhibit at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025, taking place from October 28 to 31. With an area of around 4,000 square meters, Italy ranks among the top exhibiting Countries, as in previous editions. 53 Italian exhibitors will show their innovations within the National Sector Groups, organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and Italian Trade Agency.

Italian Textile Machinery: In Q2 2025 signs of recovery in the domestic market

In the second quarter of 2025, the index of orders for textile machinery, compiled by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2024 (-1%). In absolute terms, the index stood at 47.1 points (base year 2021=100).

Italian Textile Machinery: 2024 marked by challenges and a light slowdown - Focus now on the strength of Made In Italy

Enhancing the value of Made in Italy must be placed at the heart of the challenges facing the Italian textile machinery industry in the coming years. This was the message emphasized by Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, during the General Assembly, held on Friday, 4 July, at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Presenting the latest industry figures, Salvadè reported that in 2024 production fell by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to €2.1 billion, while exports declined by 9% (€1.8 billion).

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

Eastman introduces Naia™ Lyte at Première Vision Paris, marking a major breakthrough in fiber tenacity for cellulose acetate filament yarn performance

Eastman unveils Naia™ Lyte, a new cellulose acetate filament yarn that represents an important milestone in performance for lightweight and premium fabrics, at Première Vision Paris. Presented for the first time to the international fashion and textile community, Naia™ Lyte expands the capabilities of acetate yarn by introducing enhanced tenacity, unlocking new creative and technical possibilities for designers, mills and brands.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.