Confartigianato Piemonte
Confartigianato Piemonte is the regional branch of Confartigianato, the organisation representing craft businesses (imprese artigiane). It periodically compiles chamber-of-commerce statistics on business openings and closures in the provinces of Piedmont, providing a picture of the sector, made up of workshops, small manufacturing firms and specialised trades [1].
Third-quarter 2026 data
According to Confartigianato Piemonte's analysis for July, August and September 2026, the region recorded 1,448 new craft-business registrations against 1,493 closures, a net loss of 45 businesses. At the end of the period, Piedmont's craft businesses numbered 112,858, a change of -0.04% [1].
The regional figure compares with national growth of 0.11% over the same period. Other regions in decline include Marche, down 0.27%, and Veneto, down 0.18%; Piedmont's result is similar to that of Umbria [1].
Comparison between Piedmont's provinces
The statistics compiled by Confartigianato Piemonte show differences between areas. The Province of Turin shows the sharpest decline, with 792 new registrations and 846 closures, a net loss of 54 craft businesses. It is followed by Biella, which lost 12 businesses, Cuneo, down 8, and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, with a net loss of 3. The Province of Novara also closed the quarter down 2 businesses [1].
Two provinces instead show a positive balance: Asti, up 9 businesses, and Vercelli, with a net increase of 4 [1].
Context for craft businesses
According to the analysis released by Confartigianato Piemonte, businesses in the sector often operate with small workforces and financial resources tied to the orders they receive, conditions that make it harder to absorb rising production costs. Among the most burdensome expenses cited are energy procurement, the transport of materials and machinery operation; the price of diesel fuel is said to have risen by 40% since the start of 2026 [1].
Timeline
- — In the third quarter of 2026, craft businesses in Piedmont fall by 45, with the Province of Turin recording the largest decline (-54 businesses), according to Confartigianato Piemonte data. → Torino Free
Sources
- Torino Free — 3 November 2026