The elevator and escalator sector continues to represent a key segment of the construction industry and has confirmed a positive trend in 2023 too. With an increase in aggregate turnover of 9.5% at current values, the industry benefited from the strong domestic demand and the expansion of the construction sector, driven by fiscal incentives. New installations and complete replacements maintained a sustained growth rate, while the trend in demand for plant modernisation continued on its dynamic path.

Foreign trade also recorded positive performances, with exports increasing by 8.6% at current values, although accompanied by a slowdown in imports (+1.7%) compared to the surge of the previous year. In particular, the German market played a driving role with an increase of 25%, consolidating itself as the top destination for Italian technologies in the sector (accounting for over 15% of total exports). Significant growth was also recorded in Egypt (+33%), Australia (+19%) and Israel (+21%), while sales to Saudi Arabia declined slightly (-4%), although the latter remained the major non-European market.

However, 2024 opened with some uncertainties. In the first three months of the year, exports fell by 8% compared to the same period of 2023, reflecting a drop in demand in the main European markets, which absorb more than 70% of foreign sales. On the domestic front, the slowdown in the residential sector could present a challenge, with only partial compensation deriving from public demand, supported by the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

In this context, GEE — Global Elevator Exhibition confirms itself as a strategic event to analyse the future of the sector, forge a network of operators and promote innovations capable of responding to new market needs. The event, organised by Fiera Milano, will be an exceptional showcase for exploring opportunities for development, from improving energy efficiency to the digitalisation of vertical transport systems.