AICE/ITA, the Italian government agency for promoting companies abroad, is participating in the 20th edition of Fenaf, a Latin American foundry fair that runs until June 21, in São Paulo.
The body brought together eight companies from Italy who produce machinery for the sector and are looking for business in Brazil, an initiative carried out in collaboration with the Italian Association of Foundry Suppliers (Amafond).
In 2023, the Brazilian foundry industry produced 2,7 million tons of iron, steel and non-ferrous metal castings (copper, zinc, aluminum, magnesium and lead).
Together, the 863 companies in the segment earned US$12 billion, most of which were small and medium-sized, with predominantly national capital.
Of the total castings produced in Brazil, approximately 40% are destined for the automotive industry, supplying component manufacturers, as well as the car, truck, bus and tractor manufacturers themselves.
According to a recent survey by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the average age of machinery in the manufacturing and extractive industry in Brazil is 14 years, and at least 38% of companies have equipment that may need to be renewed.
Last year, Brazil imported more than US$2 billion in foundry machinery, and Italy, with a 7,8% share, was the fourth largest supplier, after China (23%), the United States (17,3%) and Germany (12,8%).
Italian exports in this niche to Brazil grew 11,7% last year. In the first five months of 2024, the Italian share approached 9%, an increase of 22% compared to the same period in 2023. (HANDLE)