UCIMA MECS Research Centre has released its economic data for the first half of 2026 for the packaging machinery manufacturing sector, confirming a generally positive performance in terms of turnover, but also highlighting signs of weaker order intake and growing pressure from rising raw material and component costs.

Turnover: Growth Continues, Driven by the Domestic Market

In the first half of 2026, industry turnover increased by 2.3% compared with the same period in 2025 (+2.8% in the second quarter alone). Growth was mainly driven by the Italian market, which expanded by 12.5% (+6.3% in the second quarter), while international markets posted a more moderate increase of 0.9% (+2.2% in the second quarter).

Orders: Backlog at 7.7 Months, but Trend Indicates a Slowdown

Current order intake guarantees companies in the sector a production backlog of 7.7 months. Between January and June 2026, the orders index fell by 2.5% overall compared with the first half of 2025 (+3.3% in Italy and -3.0% abroad). Looking at the second quarter alone, the index recorded a 1.1% increase (+2.6% in Italy and +1.0% abroad).

The year-on-year comparison for June 2026 versus June 2025 confirms a slowdown, with overall orders declining by 0.8%. The decrease was more pronounced in the domestic market (-7.4%) than in international markets (-0.6%).

Raw Materials and Components: Widespread Increases, with Pressure on Plastics and Energy

On the cost front, the second quarter confirmed the tensions already observed in previous months. The main raw materials and components used by the sector recorded further cost increases, directly linked to the adverse economic environment resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

“The results for the first half of the year confirm that our sector remains in good health and continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of Italian manufacturing”, said Maurizio Bertocco, President of UCIMA.

“However, the slowdown in order intake is a source of concern, as it clearly reflects a reduction in investment by our international customers, driven by the uncertainty generated by tariff policies and the various conflicts that remain unresolved. At the same time, rising production costs are placing further pressure on companies’ margins. On the other hand, we are pleased with the performance of the Italian market, which is undoubtedly benefiting from government incentive schemes, including the extension of the Transition 5.0 Plan and the new enhanced capital allowance measure”.