Economic challenges and market crisis: the wire and cable sector looks for solutions

On October 18, the Tenuta La Montina estate in Franciacorta, Italy, hosted the annual conference of ACIMAF, the Italian Wire Machinery Manufacturers Association. The event brought together a significant number of members and other key figures from the wire and cable sector to discuss the current industrial landscape, global challenges, and future opportunities.

Ferruccio Bellina: ‘A difficult economic moment’

Ferruccio Bellina, President of ACIMAF, opened the meeting by addressing the challenging economic climate. The automotive sector is facing a clear decline, with recent figures showing a sharp drop in sales. Notably, Stellantis reported a 32.4% year-over-year decrease in vehicle registrations this August. Given these conditions, exploring new export markets has become more critical than ever. The association emphasizes participation in international trade events like Wire & Cable 2025. Following the last conference in Milan in 2023, the next edition will take place in Krakow in October, co-organized by ACIMAF, the Wire Association International (WAI), and, for the first time, the International Wire and Machinery Association (IWMA).

Credem’s business solutions

Matteo Manfredi and Daniela Previtali of Credem presented the bank’s financial and insurance offerings for businesses, with a strong focus on cyber threat protection. Cyber risk is escalating, with attacks in Italy rising by 65% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Although high-profile breaches involving large corporations and public entities often make headlines, small and medium-sized enterprises are frequently targeted by indiscriminate attacks. Additionally, Italian companies face growing risks from natural disasters, which are occurring with increasing regularity. Beginning January 1, 2025, all Italian businesses will be mandated to carry insurance policies for catastrophic event-related damages.

The views of Don Neville, IWMA

Among the speakers, Don Neville, President of IWMA, described a “crucial moment” for the wire and cable industry, characterized by vulnerable supply chains, growing protectionism, and escalating international tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. Key sectors such as energy, boosted by the expansion of renewables and offshore wind projects, and telecommunications, driven by 5G with an annual growth rate of 7%, are experiencing increased demand. Looking ahead to the 2025 event in Krakow, Neville emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing as vital tools for collectively addressing these challenges.

Remarks by Steve Fetteroll, WAI

Steve Fetteroll, Executive Director of the Wire Association International (WAI), painted a complex picture of the U.S. landscape just days before the elections. The economy is sending mixed signals, and public opinion remains highly polarized, a trend partly driven by social media. Despite these uncertainties, Fetteroll highlighted that the steel wire sector is projected to achieve an annual growth rate of 5% through 2035.

Annik Briganti: 'Time to strengthen ties with the U.S.'

Annik Briganti, representing the Columbus, Ohio region, introduced her organization’s plans to support Italian companies in establishing manufacturing facilities in the U.S., offering confidential and free assistance. Columbus ranks as the 14th largest city in the U.S., with around 1,800 manufacturing plants and highly favorable fiscal and economic conditions.

In the photo, from left to right: Giulio Properzi of Continuus Properzi, journalist Paolo Bricco, ACIMAF President Ferruccio Bellina, and Francesca Zadro from ITA/ICE.

ITA/ICE support for ACIMAF members

Francesca Zadro, representing ITA/ICE, presented the national agency’s solutions for supporting companies’ internationalization efforts. These services include information, assistance, and training through a network of overseas offices, providing on-the-ground support to Italian companies as they establish and grow in global markets. ITA/ICE is making significant investments, particularly in Africa, to open new offices and increase its presence in strategic regions. In collaboration with ACIMAF, ITA/ICE has identified India, China, the U.S., and Thailand as key target areas. The agency’s promotional strategy focuses on collective participation in trade fairs, offering Italian companies coordinated visibility and tangible support to strengthen their position in highly competitive markets.

Paolo Bricco: the rise and fall of Europe’s manufacturing

Paolo Bricco, essayist and journalist for the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, moderated the event, offering an in-depth analysis of Europe’s role in global manufacturing, particularly focusing on the steel sector. He highlighted Europe’s traditional strengths as a hub of industrial and mechanical production but pointed out the continent’s current struggles amid intense global competition and geopolitical instability. Key challenges include China's economic rise, Europe’s dependence on crucial resources like rare earth metals, and energy supply disruptions exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, all of which threaten Europe’s industrial output.

Bricco contended that Europe’s well-intentioned ecological transition has often had significant negative effects on the automotive and steel industries, heightening Europe’s dependence on China. This reliance persists despite €11 billion in state aid provided to European steelworks. Italy’s situation is particularly dire, with a 40% reduction in manufacturing capacity since 2007-2008.

However, Bricco expressed cautious optimism about Italy’s prospects, highlighting the remarkable resilience and efficiency of Italian manufacturing firms — especially small and medium-sized enterprises (10 to 250 employees) — which achieve high value-added output per employee, even surpassing Germany in this regard.

University of Krakow: presentation of the Wire & Cable 2025 conference

The event concluded with a presentation by Professor Beata Smyrak from the University of Krakow, who is playing a key role in organizing the upcoming Wire & Cable conference scheduled for October 14, 2025. Professor Smyrak introduced her department, emphasizing its close collaboration with the Polish industry, and highlighted Krakow’s many attractions. She also announced that the day after the conference, attendees will have the chance to participate in guided tours of two prominent local industrial sites: NPA Skawina, a producer of wire rods, wires, and aluminum cables, and Telefonika Cable, a leading manufacturer of electric cables.

Further details on the 'Call for Papers,' inviting researchers, experts, and professionals to present their work, will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates!