General Assembly Concluded, New Activities Underway: GIMAV Looks Ahead to International Markets

Next Stop: GlassBuild America 2026
 

Following its participation in China Glass, GIMAV has already turned its attention to the next major international event: GlassBuild America 2026.

Once again this year, GIMAV, in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, will lead an Italian collective presence to the United States, accompanying approximately 15 member companies to one of North America's leading trade shows dedicated to glass technologies, machinery, and solutions.

When and Where

After the 2025 edition in Orlando, this year’s event will take place in Las Vegas from September 23 to 25, 2026. The exhibition will provide an excellent opportunity for participating Italian companies to showcase their expertise, connect with qualified industry professionals, and develop new business relationships.

The U.S. market continues to be of strategic importance for the glass industry and remains a key focus for GIMAV, both because of its economic significance and the opportunities it offers Italian manufacturers and technology suppliers.

More U.S.-Focused Initiatives Ahead

The September exhibition will be only one of several initiatives dedicated to the American market. In November, GIMAV will once again focus on the United States through a dedicated buyer-oriented activity aimed at fostering new connections, strengthening existing relationships, and creating additional business opportunities for member companies.

This ongoing internationalization strategy confirms the Association’s commitment to supporting Italian companies in strategic markets and promoting the excellence of Made in Italy worldwide.

TOOLS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

USA Country Presentation
 

A Webinar Dedicated to GlassBuild America 2026

And here we are again. Continuing along the same path, GIMAV is offering its members a dedicated webinar designed to provide practical insights into the U.S. market and the opportunities associated with participating in GlassBuild America 2026.

Webinar Highlights

The webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (CEST), will open with welcome remarks from GIMAV and ITA – Italian Trade Agency Houston.

Topics to be covered include:

• The strategic role of GlassBuild America within the industry;
• Current trends in the U.S. glass and construction markets;
• The structure of the industry supply chain, with a focus on key players, distribution channels, and market-entry strategies.

The program will also feature an analysis of U.S. import-export flows related to the relevant HS codes, as well as a practical session covering participation details and exhibition logistics.

The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session, giving companies the opportunity to engage directly with experts and address operational questions.

Not registered yet? Sign up here!

RISKS AND MARKETS

GIMAV Observatory: Resilience and New Markets for the Industry
 

A Resilient Industry: The Numbers Confirm It

The 2025 Industry Report paints the picture of a diversified sector, where Accessories and Other Technologies represent the largest segment, accounting for €1.133 billion and 45.9% of total industry turnover.

This segment also proved to be the most resilient, limiting its decline to -6.5%, compared with -14.6% for flat glass machinery and -17.2% for hollow glass technologies.

Despite the general slowdown, Italy’s competitiveness remains strong. Italian companies gained market share in 8 of the 18 key markets analyzed.

New Markets, New Challenges

Particularly noteworthy were the results achieved by flat glass machinery suppliers in Spain and Türkiye, where Italy reached a market share of 46.1%, as well as in Morocco, where Italian hollow glass technologies account for 59.5% of the market.

Positive signals also emerged from India, Belgium, Ukraine, and Portugal, all of which offer promising opportunities for geographical diversification.

The challenge moving forward will be to transform Italy’s technological leadership into an increasingly integrated offering that combines machinery, software, services, sustainability, and international market presence.

“The resilience of our industry stems from the ability of our companies to combine innovation, production flexibility, specialized expertise, and a strong international outlook. The challenge now is to transform this industrial leadership into an increasingly integrated offering that combines machinery, software, services, sustainability, and a stable presence in international markets.”

Umberto De Lorenzo
Internationalization & Institutional Relations

GIMAV at glasstec 2026: Supporting Italian Companies on the Global Stage of the Glass Industry
 

As the world's leading trade fair for the glass industry, glasstec 2026 will once again bring the international glass community together in Düsseldorf, covering the entire value chain—from glass production and processing to applications and future technologies.

Within this global platform, GIMAV will support its member companies through direct dialogue with the exhibition organizers, acting as a bridge between glasstec and participating companies. The Association will collect members’ needs, requests, and operational requirements while ensuring the timely dissemination of relevant information.

This approach will provide member companies with a reliable and qualified point of reference throughout the preparation process for glasstec.

At the same time, GIMAV is carrying out a dedicated communication campaign through its digital channels, social media platforms, and newsletters, with the goal of strengthening the visibility of the Italian presence within the highly international context of glasstec and showcasing the technologies, expertise, and innovative capabilities of Italian companies on one of the industry's most important global stages.

Planned Activities

The planned activities include:

• Sharing updates and operational information related to glasstec;
• Supporting dialogue with the exhibition organizers;
• Collecting and coordinating member companies’ requirements;
• Promoting the Italian presence through GIMAV communication channels;
• Showcasing Italian companies, technologies, and solutions within the international glasstec community;
• Supporting networking opportunities with industry operators, decision-makers, and international stakeholders across the entire glass value chain.

An Exclusive Preview for Our Members

In line with glasstec’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and international dialogue, GIMAV is organizing a dedicated event for its members during the exhibition.

Among the initiatives planned for glasstec, we are pleased to preview a conference developed in collaboration with Rödl & Partner, focusing on the new Machinery Regulation.

The conference will take place on October 23, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, offering companies the opportunity to gain insights into the key changes introduced by the Regulation and their practical implications for machinery manufacturers operating in the industry.

The full program, speakers, and participation details will be announced shortly.