Multi-axis CNC metalworking machine tool in operation in a European manufacturing facility.
The Italian machine tool industry association, UCIMU, is pressing the European Union to enact more robust trade defense measures against Chinese manufacturers. The association argues that China’s substantial industrial overcapacity and subsidized exports are undermining Europe’s competitive standing in the critical machine tool sector.
UCIMU advocates for imported machinery to adhere to the same stringent technical and safety standards required of European products, aiming to level the playing field for fair competition. The organization highlighted that China surpassed Germany to become the world’s largest exporter of metalworking machine tools in 2025, while the export shares of Europe and Italy have seen a decline.
Stefania Pigozzi, head of economic studies at UCIMU, noted that Chinese companies, after largely fulfilling their domestic market needs, are aggressively expanding their presence in international markets. UCIMU, representing approximately 250 producers with a combined revenue of around €8 billion and employing roughly 30,000 workers, believes that imposing equivalent standards on imports is essential.
Machine tools are considered a key indicator of industrial strength, vital for sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy, and defense. Pigozzi pointed to China’s ascent to the top of the global metalworking machine tool export market in 2025 as a significant warning sign. Data indicates China’s share of global metalworking machine tool exports grew from 8% in 2016 to 23% in 2025. Concurrently, Europe’s share decreased from 52% to 46% over the same period. Italy, traditionally the fourth-largest exporter, saw its global share dip to 7.8% in 2025 from 8.4% in 2016, with exports to China experiencing a notable decrease.
These concerns echo a broader sentiment within the EU regarding China’s increasing industrial influence. Earlier in the year, Italy, alongside France, Spain, and two other member states, called for enhanced trade defense instruments from Brussels to safeguard European industries from what they perceive as unfair competition.
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