Knitting Machines Market - By Type, By Knit Type, By Mode of Operation, By End Use Industry, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Knitting Machines Market Size

The global knitting machines market size was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.4% from 2024 to 2032. The global market is growing steadily, driven by rising demand for textiles and apparel, technological advancements, automation, and the expanding sportswear and home textiles sectors.
 

Increasing global population and urbanization are boosting the need for clothing and textiles. Emerging economies, especially in the fashion and apparel industries, require advanced knitting machines to produce diverse fabrics efficiently. Innovations like computerized and automatic knitting machines have improved production efficiency and precision. Manufacturers are adopting automation to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and meet the demand for customized products.
 

Furthermore, textile manufacturing is rapidly growing in Asia-Pacific and Africa due to cost-effective labor and rising local demand. This progression is leading to increased investments in knitting machines. In India, government initiatives are supporting the textile sector through technology upgrades, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and sectoral progress, fostering a favorable environment for textile manufacturing and boosting the market.
 

Knitting Machines Market Trends

In the dynamic textile industry, knitted fabric manufacturers are crucial, serving various applications from casual wear to industrial fabrics. Known for their flexibility, durability, and comfort, knitted textiles benefit from technological advancements like 3D knitting and automated machines. These innovations speed up production, reduce manual labour, and allow for intricate designs with minimal waste. 3D knitting also enables seamless garments, enhancing comfort and reducing fabric wastage. Circular knitting machines, known for their efficiency, are becoming more popular.
 

In addition, recent improvements in double-knit rib technology focus on better fabric quality and comfort. Advances in machine design, needle selection, and fabric handling have led to finer gauge fabrics that are softer and more breathable. These innovations ensure a consistent rib structure, providing greater comfort and stretch. The future of double-knit circular knitting technology looks promising. Ongoing research aims to enhance its capabilities further. Developments in advanced machine design, computerized pattern control, and smart fabric monitoring systems could revolutionize the industry. These innovations promise customization, streamlined production, and real-time fabric adjustments.
 

Advanced knitting machines, especially computerized, automated, and 3D systems, are expensive. This excessive cost makes it challenging for small to medium-sized manufacturers to invest in the latest technology, limiting market entry and slowing adoption in emerging markets. While automation and AI enhance efficiency, these machines still need skilled labour for operation and maintenance. There is a growing shortage of technicians, particularly in developing countries, who can manage and repair advanced equipment.
 

Additionally, raw material prices, such as yarns and fibres, fluctuate due to global supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and geopolitical factors. These price changes make it difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent pricing. Global supply chain issues, including semiconductor shortages and shipping delays, also affect production timelines for knitting machines and components.

Knitting Machines Market Analysis

Based on type, the market can be segmented into warp knitting machines and weft knitting machines. The weft knitting machines segment accounted for revenue of around USD 3.4 Billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5% from 2024 to 2032. Seamless knitting technology is transforming the weft knitting segment. This innovation knits entire garments into one piece, cutting down on fabric waste and labor costs while enhancing comfort and fitness. Customization is also on the rise, with consumers seeking unique designs. Advanced weft knitting machines with digital controls enable manufacturers to produce these customized fabrics efficiently.
 

On the other hand, warp knitting machines are increasingly used for technical textiles in automotive, medical, industrial, and protective applications. Automation and smart technologies are key trends. Modern warp knitting machines feature computerized controls, automated threading, and IoT capabilities for real-time data collection, improving performance and maintenance. Robotics further enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs in complex fabric production.
 

Based on the mode of operation, the knitting machines market is categorized as manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic. The fully automatic segment held around 72% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2032. Full automation is a growing trend driven by the need for efficiency, precision, and productivity. Industries like fashion, sportswear, and home textiles, which rely on mass production, increasingly use fully automatic knitting machines. These machines speed up production and reduce the need for manual labor, helping manufacturers meet large volume demands while cutting labor costs.
 

On the other hand, semi-automatic machines are popular among small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses seek more efficiency than manual machines offer but often cannot afford fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic machines provide a cost-effective solution, allowing these companies to scale production without fully automating. Semi-automatic machines are ideal for mid-volume runs, balancing automation, and manual control.
 

The U.S. dominates with an overall North America knitting machines market and valued at USD 1.2 Bn in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.3% from 2024 to 2032. Rising demand for automated manufacturing, technological advancements, high-performance fabrics, evolution in the apparel and fashion industry, and government support are driving the U.S. market.
 

The textile industry’s need for efficiency, precision, and cost savings has accelerated the adoption of automated knitting machines. These machines produce high-quality fabrics quickly and with intricate patterns, making them popular in both industrial and consumer markets. Innovations like computer-controlled knitting, advanced software integration, and seamless knitting technologies enhance the versatility and precision of these machines, meeting the demand for customized fabrics and garments.
 

Furthermore, the shift towards high-performance fabrics in sportswear, medical textiles, and automotive applications is increasing the demand for specialized knitting machines. The growing apparel and fashion industry, especially with the rise of athleisure, knitwear, and personalized clothing, also boosts the need for machines that can manage a wide range of fibers and materials.
 

North America: In terms of the country, the US dominates with an overall knitting machines market share of around 83% in North America market. Rising demand for automated manufacturing, technological advancements, high-performance fabrics, growth in the apparel and fashion industry, and government support are driving the U.S. market.
 

On the other hand, Canada market expressing notable progression rate of around 5.6% from 2024 to 2032. In Canada, changing consumer preferences in fashion and textiles are driving demand for customized, high-performance knitted fabrics.
 

Europe: The Europe knitting machines market with a market share of around 26% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. Europe is rapidly adopting automated and computerized knitting machines. Innovations like seamless and 3D knitting enable manufacturers to produce intricate, high-quality textiles with less manual work.
 

In terms of country, Germany market expressing notable growth rate of around 5.6% from 2024 to 2032. Germany, known for its advanced engineering, is home to global leaders in high-tech knitting machines, such as Stoll and Karl Mayer.
 

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific knitting machines market with a market share of around 35% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 5.9% from 2024 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific region, a leader in textile and apparel manufacturing, drives significant demand for knitting machines. Key hubs like China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh support both domestic and international markets, increasing the need for efficient, high-capacity machines.
 

China is dominating the Asia Pacific market in terms of market share of around 32% during the 2023. China, the largest textile producer, and exporter, has a highly advanced industry that includes diverse production methods like knitted fabrics, creating substantial demand for knitting machines.
 

Knitting Machines Market Share

In 2023, key companies like Mayer & CIE, Pailung, Shima Seiki, Stoll, and Fukuhara held a combined market share of 15%-20%. These companies are actively engaging in mergers, acquisitions, facility expansions, and collaborations to enhance their product portfolios, reach more customers, and strengthen their market positions.
 

Leading manufacturers are investing in automation, digitalization, and smart technologies like Industry 4.0, IoT-enabled machinery, and AI-driven systems to boost efficiency and meet customization demands. Manufacturers are also expanding in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, where the growing textile industry is increasing the need for textile machinery.
 

Knitting Machines Market Companies

Major players operating in the knitting machines industry are:

• Flying Tiger
• Fukuhara
• Hanma group
• Jingwei Textile Machinery 
• Lamb
• Lisky
• Mayer & CIE
• Orizio 
• Pai Lung
• Santoni
• Shima Seiki
• Stoll 
• Tompkins
• Yamato Sewing Machine
• Zentex 
   

Knitting Machines Industry News

• In April 2024, Stoll, part of the Karl Mayer Group, expanded its CMS machine portfolio with the CMS 703 knit and wear, designed for producing finished articles. This model complements the CMS 503 ki L, a fifty ins/127cm variant of the CMS 503 ki, launched in mid-March 2024 for fully fashion applications.
   
• In September 2023, Santoni introduced the latest version of its Mec-Mor technology, a circular knitting machine that quickly produces high-quality double-face knitted garments.
   
• In August 2023, Pailung highlighted six new high-speed circular knitting machines from its Knitel series at ITMA 2023 in Milan. The KS3B Plus HS can produce six popular fabric types: Plain Single Jersey, Plain Single Jersey + Lycra, Pique, Pique + Lycra, 2 Yarns Fleece, and 2 Yarns Fleece + Lycra.
   

This knitting machines market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Warp knitting machines
  • Raschel warp
  • Tricot warp
  • Others (crochet etc.)
• Weft knitting machines
  • Circular
  • Straight bar
  • Others (loop wheel etc.)

Market, By Knit Type

• Single knit
• Double knit   

Market, By Mode of Operation

• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Fully automatic     

Market, By End Use Industry

• Automotive textiles
• Sports textiles
• Apparel textiles
• Home textiles
• Others (footwear industry etc.)    

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales   

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa