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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.