Slight increase in domestic sales, export and import decline
In the first nine months of 2025, 14,699 construction equipment were placed on the Italian market, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period of 2024. Specifically, 13,982 earth-moving machines (+2%) and 717 road machines (+10%) were sold.
Data, based on sales figures from manufacturing and importing companies of earth-moving and road machines were presented during an online press conference organized by Unacea and sponsored by Ecomondo, the trade fair dedicated to ecological transition and new models of circular and regenerative economy, which will take place in Rimini from 4 to 7 November 2025. Unacea will attend the event with its own institutional booth, together with Assodimi/Assonolo, the association of distributors and rental companies.
“The data presented, both in absolute terms and as a trend, are consistent with previous quarters, which had already shown a slight increase in demand. The decline recorded in the third quarter compared to the second is not concerning: August is traditionally a month of pause, with no deliveries. In the next quarter, we expect an acceleration driven by the Special economic zones (Zes) and depreciation measures, supported by PNRR funds – said David Bazzi, ceo of Komatsu Italia Manufacturing. At European level, Italy continues to stand out: while other countries record negative figures, our market remains in positive territory. The real question is how long this favorable cycle can last.”
“The greater clarity, since the beginning of the year, regarding incentive plans such as Industry 4.0 and Zes, has encouraged the market to anticipate purchases, giving momentum to the sector after a period marked by uncertainty surrounding 5.0 – said Gianluca Calì, marketing director of Cgt. The construction and the machines market are moving in parallel and the number of machines in use remains stable: a sign that construction sites continue to be operational. Overall, the context is one of positive stability and we expect year-end results to be in line with or slightly above those of 2024.”
“The sector is in good shape, but uncertainty remains about what will happen once incentives come to an end – said Domenico Matrone, general manager of Wirtgen Macchine. The road machines business is solid and 2025 is shaping up to be another positive year. The increase in demand for cold planers confirms the presence of active construction sites, while rollers are seeing a slight decline. Net of deliveries linked to Zes and year-end incentives, demand remains strong and growth continues.”
“Over the course of the year, the market performed better than our forecast report – said Luca Nutarelli, managing director of Unacea. At international level, global trade in imports and exports show a slowdown amid a general context of uncertainty. The trade balance remains positive, but slightly down compared to the previous year.”
According to the latest Unacea-Cer foreign trade report, international trade in the sector has declined: between January and June 2025, exports of Italian construction equipment exceeded €1.5 billion, down 7.4% compared to the same period of 2024. Imports totaled just over €990 million, a decrease of 7.1% Despite a 7.8% drop compared to 2024, the trade balance remains positive, with a surplus of €585 million.
Read all the report here.
