Markets to explore: United States (Part I)
The column dedicated to Italian companies operating in the packaging with a keen eye to the possibilities of growth and development abroad is born out of the collaboration between ICE-Agenzia and Edizioni Dativo. The network of ICE offices abroad will provide a regular update on the development of the packaging in the short/medium term in selected countries.
Given the scale and importance of the US market, the second part of the report will be published in May 2016.
The packaging machine market: Assessing the sector
In 2014 the demand for packaging machinery and equipment in the USA reached the figure of 7.5 billion US dollars, marking a growth of 4.4% compared to 2013.
The official data provided by the sector association, the PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute), again confirms the main market sectors, that account for about 75% of total packaging machinery sales:
- food industry (36.5% of the total value);
- beverages (22.3%);
- pharmaceutical products and medical devices (9.5%);
- cosmetics and personal care (6.6%);
Compared to other industries, also in the US the packaging sector tends to be less affected by economic phases, as it is strongly linked to the food and beverage industry.
Below, detailed demand by type of machines:
- case handling 14.3%;
- filling and dosing 13.3%;
- bottling lines 9.2%;
- form, fill & seal 7.3%;
- closing 4.1%;
- palletizing 3.9%;
- wrapping & bundling 3.6%;
- other 26%.
The future of the sector. According to PMMI forecasts the sector will grow in the coming years, reaching an estimated total of 8.1 billion dollars in 2019. In relation to the type of machine, a gradual increase in the distribution of form-fill-seal machines (+ 3% in 2019) is predicted.
Productions and foreign technologies play a major role in the US market for packaging and wrapping machinery and supply about 21% of the total market (estimated 2014).
Total imports of the sector amounted to $ 2,017 million $ (1,523.4 Euro) *, growing by 3.4% compared to figures for 2013 (Chicago ICE processing of the US Department of Commerce data).
Approximately 67% of imports to the USA are seen to derive from five main supplier countries: Germany (28.9% of total imports), Italy (ranked second with 17.7%), Canada (11.8%), China (7.5%), Japan (6.5%).
Germany, the leader in this market, and Italy’s main competitor, has seen large increases in 2013; however, it registered a decline of 7.2% in 2014, for a total of 582.2 million dollars (439.7 euros) leaving it with a 28.9% share of the US import market.
Italy, for years on the market, is in second place. After a 60% drop in imports to the US in 2012, it recovered in 2013 by 1% while putting in a remarkable growth, 20.9%, in 2014. Italy’s exports to the US total 356.25 million dollars (269.0 euros) Italy’s share of total US imports standing at 17.7%.
Over the last 17 years (between 1997 and 2014), Italy has maintained a total share US imports that has remained around 17-20%.
Italy’s output in the sector is much appreciated for its the reliability and technological content, as well as for its versatility and adaptability to specific user needs.
Major shows in the US packaging machinery sector.
Pack Expo International 2016 (biennale), Chicago (IL), 6-9 November 2016
Pack Expo Las Vegas 2017 (biennale), 25-27 2017
September
The project
is coordinated ICE-Agenzia headquarters in Rome,
by the Industrial Technology, - Energy and Environment office headed by Ferdinando Pastore. Contacts:
Matteo Masini,
tel 06.5992.9356 -
[email protected]
