2008 was an extremely difficult year. Reports from all over the world paint a disastrous picture of the present economical situation in the sector. Overall, Swiss exports 2008 were down by 26% compared with the year-back and have reached an all-time low CHF 1’637 million.

Due to a very low backlog of new orders at the end of last year, the first semester 2009 will see a further decrease of the overall export figure, probably in the range of over 50% compared to the same period last year. However, reports from the sales front indicate that the downward trend is now coming to a standstill and business may bottom out by the end of the year. Thus, the Swiss textile machinery manufacturers are looking forward with guarded optimism for the year 2010, expecting business gradually to recover.

Swissmem report says: There is nothing to hide. The sector was heavily hit by the worldwide economical crisis. It will certainly accelerate the ongoing consolidation and restructuration process, which will result in new, yet unknown «landscape» of the textile machinery industry. However, by applying an innovative, forward-looking strategy, the Swiss entrepreneurs are confident to successfully meet the challenges facing them. – The future belongs to the best.