Comment by President Mario Pozza
The data from the Unioncamere Veneto survey for the third quarter of 2025 show provincial manufacturing production to be stable, if not slightly improved compared to a year ago- comments Mario Pozza, President of the Treviso Belluno|Dolomiti Chamber of Commerce.
In Treviso, the change compared to the third quarter of 2024 is +1.1%, and in Belluno +0.7%. These figures should not be viewed with enthusiasm- continues the President– as they only tell us that we are not getting worse, but the litmus test will be the last part of the year. Moreover, these figures- adds Pozza-summarize different trends for different sectors.
For the eyewear industry, the data seem to highlight a difficulty in the Belluno supply chain, namely that of subcontractors who act as a production “buffer” for leading companies and are therefore more exposed to supply chain reorganization processes. We will see whether this is a temporary or structural concern. I see a lot of uncertainty in this regard. Other sectors that remain in difficulty are wood furniture and automotive. Signs of resilience are coming from industrial machinery, however.
Third-quarter data show demand to be still weak, affected, as was to be expected, by the climate of high uncertainty generated by the protectionist policy of the United States. Analysts are still unable to predict how long it will take to clear the American stocks accumulated as a result of advance demand aimed at avoiding tariffs.
This phenomenon has affected semi-finished products, but I am well aware that a similar situation also affects our Prosecco. For now, this advance in demand has helped to positively support national exports, which, according to the latest ISTAT data, grew by +9.5% between January and September 2025 compared to the same period last year. But what will happen from now on?
In this situation, as I have always maintained, it remains essential to support companies in diversifying their markets, as we did at the SME Forum held recently in Castelbrando, with windows of business opportunity opening up in Latin American markets– continues Mario Pozza, also in his role as President of Assocamerestero.
Furthermore, in my opinion, European policies need to favor domestic demand – that relating to a market of 450 million EU inhabitants – by removing what Draghi has very effectively called “internal tariffs.” There is much to be done in terms of both consumption and investment, including those related in a broad sense to defense.
The challenge of digitalization remains fundamental, making our businesses more innovative and competitive. Innovation must be our primary form of “commercial protection,” positioning us on the market with distinctive products and services that are not easily replaceable. In this sense, I believe that tools such as the Transizione 5.0 national plan are essential, but within the planning certainties that are more necessary than ever for our businesses.
In our own small way, I would like to point out that the Treviso-Belluno Chamber of Commerce has allocated €1.3 million in non-repayable grants for this year to companies that want to invest in the dual digital and ecological transition– concludes the President.
