Assomac has called for stronger collaboration across the supply chain as businesses face growing global competition, trade tensions and changes in global value chains. The proposal emerged during the Assomac General Assembly on 18 June 2026 in Milan, where industry leaders, institutions and supply chain representatives gathered to discuss the future competitiveness of the sector.
The assembly focused on the challenges facing Italian manufacturing, fashion and leather supply chains and explored strategies to strengthen growth, competitiveness and international presence.
During the discussions, participants highlighted the need to improve coordination between technology providers, material suppliers and final product manufacturers.
To support this goal, Assomac proposed the creation of a permanent industry roundtable that would serve as a stable platform for dialogue, development of common strategies and stronger representation of the needs of Italy’s manufacturing supply chains.
“The Made in Italy concept starts long before the final product. It begins with capital goods, skills, manufacturing and the ability to do business. Industrial scale is what allows the sector to continue generating value, exports, employment and growth. The proposal for a permanent industry roundtable comes from the desire to strengthen the connection between technology, materials and products and to represent the needs of Italian manufacturing supply chains more effectively.”
– Mauro Bergozza, President, Assomac
Data presented by the Assomac Study Centre showed that Italy’s footwear, leather goods and tanning technology machinery industry continues to face difficult market conditions. After recording a 12% decline in 2024, the sector closed 2025 with a further 11% drop.
Despite the slowdown, Italy remains the leading competitor to China in the footwear, leather goods and tanning technology machinery sector.
The country currently holds a 27% share of global exports in the sector and continues to lead in higher value-added segments.
Participants included Mauro Bergozza, President of Assomac; Giovanna Ceolini, President of Assocalzaturifici; Alessandro Iliprandi, President of UNIC – Concerie Italiane; and Claudia Sequi, President of Assopellettieri and others.
