STONE TECHNOLOGY FIGURES

Italy's exports of stone-working machinery and equipment rose in the first quarter of 2010.

According to official statistics processed by the CONFINDUSTRIA MARMOMACCHINE Studies Center, in the first three months of the year Italian stone technology exports were up 23.2% in value from 2009, rising from sales of 155 million euro to 191 million in this period.

Although these figures are still way behind those in the pre-recession period, they - partially – confirm a significant trend inversion from 2009, which saw a 32% drop from the same period in 2008.

So these initial statistics promise a possible uptake for Italian stone sector companies this year, although its extent can be realistically evaluated only in the months to come.