Italy’s Construction Machinery sector saw a 3% increase in sales between January and June 2025, with 9,946 site vehicles sold. However, international trade in the sector is still declining, with exports dropping 8.8% compared to 2024. The worst export results were concrete machinery, drilling machinery, aggregate preparation machinery, and road construction machinery. Imports were slightly down 2.9%, while imports were 828 million euros. Despite a 17.6% setback compared to 2024, the balance of trade remains 464 million euros. Samite 2026, organized by Veronafiere, will focus on the Industry 4.0 revolution, focusing on ecological transition, machine sustainability.
Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, construction site automation, and road infrastructure solutions The Italian construction machinery market has entered 2025 with a renewed sense of momentum, registering a 3% growth in the first half of the year and setting the tone for the industry’s expectations ahead of SaMoTer 2026. This increase, although modest compared to earlier cycles of expansion, reflects resilience in the face of declining exports and global economic headwinds. What makes this performance particularly significant is its timing Italy’s largest construction equipment exhibition, SaMoTer, is scheduled for May 2026 in Verona, and the event is already shaping.
Up to be a strategic platform for unveiling technological innovations and industry collaborations. The combination of steady domestic demand, government-led infrastructure investments, and the anticipation of cutting-edge themes like sustainability and digital transformation are positioning Italy as a crucial player in Europe’s evolving construction ecosystem During the first six months of 2025, sales of construction and road machinery within Italy reached nearly 10,000 units, a sign of confidence among builders and contractors. Road machinery in particular demonstrated robust performance, climbing by nearly 10% compared to the same period in 2024, thanks to expanded road.
Export Decline and Trade Balance
Maintenance Programs and municipal infrastructure upgrades. Construction machinery, which represents the bulk of sales, grew at a slower pace of about 2%, but it still highlighted steady activity in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This growth is noteworthy because it has come at a time when several European markets are struggling with inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. Italy’s internal demand appears to be benefitting from government incentives that encourage sustainable construction practices and modernization of public works. For deeper analysis of related developments, readers Despite the strong domestic picture, Italy’s construction.
machinery exports declined by almost 9% in the January May 2025 period. This contraction underscores the challenges Italian manufacturers face in international markets, particularly as competition intensifies from countries that offer lower-cost alternatives. Segments such as concrete machinery and drilling equipment were among the hardest hit, recording double-digit drops in export volume. Still, Italy managed to maintain a positive trade balance of over €460 million, which demonstrates the continued relevance of its engineering and manufacturing excellence. Imports also fell slightly, reflecting reduced reliance on foreign equipment as local manufacturers filled domestic.
Demand. For a broader perspective on how trade balances impact equipment industries One of the most critical drivers of the 2025 market performance has been Italy’s ongoing infrastructure investment cycle. Government projects in urban renewal, smart city development, and road and rail modernization have significantly boosted demand for heavy equipment. The strong uptake of road machinery is linked to extensive highway rehabilitation works and rural road expansion programs. In addition, several large-scale port and logistics hub upgrades have created fresh opportunities for crane manufacturers and earthmoving equipment suppliers. This investment wave is also closely aligned with.
Sustainability and the Green Transition
EU-funded green transition initiatives, which aim to improve efficiency and lower the carbon footprint of construction projects. Readers interested in similar policy-driven initiatives The Italian machinery sector is increasingly being shaped by sustainability imperatives. Manufacturers are prioritizing low-emission engines, hybrid models, and fully electric equipment designed to meet stricter EU environmental standards. The 3% growth in 2025 is not just a reflection of traditional demand but also a sign that buyers are beginning to align purchases with long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions. This shift mirrors broader European trends, where ecological transition is a central policy.
Focus SaMoTer 2026 is expected to amplify this conversation by featuring exhibits and demonstrations around circular economy practices, electrification of heavy equipment, and intelligent fuel management systems. We’ve discussed these themes in greater detail in our Beyond sustainability, digitalization is reshaping how machinery is produced, sold, and used. Advanced telematics, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven machine learning are becoming standard in modern construction sites. Italian manufacturers are investing in smart machinery that integrates seamlessly with Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing downtime.
Challenges and Risks Ahead
The market’s performance in the first half of 2025 partly reflects growing demand for these intelligent solutions, especially from large contractors working on infrastructure projects. SaMoTer 2026 is expected to provide a comprehensive view of how Industry 4.0 principles are being applied in real-world equipment. To explore related technologies, readers can browse our (Digital Construction) section While domestic growth is encouraging, the road ahead is not without risks. Export weakness is a clear concern, and unless new markets are developed, Italy may continue to face downward pressure in its international business. Additionally, rising input costs for steel, energy, and electronics could affect profitability for manufacturers.
The global economic environment, marked by uncertainty in trade relations and potential disruptions in supply chains, remains another challenge. At the same time, rapid technological change means that companies unable to innovate may fall behind both domestically and abroad. These challenges reinforce the importance of strategic planning and industry collaboration, both of which will be focal points at the SaMoTer exhibition SaMoTer has long been a defining event for the Italian and European construction machinery sector, and the 2026 edition is anticipated with heightened interest. Scheduled for May at Veronafiere, the fair will highlight four primary themes: sustainability.
Digital transformation, safety, and global competitiveness. For Italian manufacturers, the exhibition is an opportunity not only to showcase new products but also to reaffirm leadership in technological innovation. International buyers and investors are expected to attend in large numbers, making it a critical venue for business development and global networking. Our page provides ongoing coverage of preparations for this major industry showcase Looking beyond the immediate growth of 3%, forecasts indicate that Italy’s construction machinery market could expand at a compound annual rate exceeding 4% through 2030. By then, total units sold are expected to surpass 64,000, up.
From about 49,000 in 2024. This projection is built on assumptions of continued infrastructure spending, gradual recovery of export demand, and the adoption of new technologies such as electrified machinery and AI-driven site automation. The success of this trajectory will, however, depend on how effectively manufacturers navigate global competition, supply chain resilience, and shifting regulatory frameworks. For detailed future projections The first half of 2025 has confirmed that Italy’s construction machinery industry remains both resilient and adaptive. Domestic demand has provided stability, exports continue to be challenged, and innovation is redefining what buyers expect.
From equipment suppliers. With SaMoTer 2026 on the horizon, the sector has a unique chance to showcase progress on sustainability, digital transformation, and competitiveness. The 3% growth recorded so far is not just a number; it is a signal that Italian construction machinery is evolving in response to global challenges while preparing for a future driven by technology and ecological responsibility. The next year will be critical, and all eyes are now on Verona, where SaMoTer promises to shape the direction of the industry for the remainder of the decade.
