PUBLISHER: Global Market Insights Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 2027666
PUBLISHER: Global Market Insights Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 2027666
Knitting Machines Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2026 - 2035
The Global Knitting Machines Market was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% to reach USD 9.4 billion by 2035.
Market expansion is driven by increasing emphasis on improving production efficiency and enhancing fabric quality across the textile industry. Manufacturers are prioritizing advanced machinery that enables faster output while maintaining consistent fabric standards. Growing collaboration activities, including partnerships and acquisitions among key industry participants, are accelerating innovation and strengthening product development capabilities. These developments are reshaping the competitive landscape and encouraging the adoption of modernized production systems. Traditional fabric manufacturing methods are gradually losing relevance due to their limitations in handling complex designs and large-scale production requirements. In contrast, advanced knitting machines equipped with computerized controls and multi-feed systems significantly reduce production time and material waste. The ability to deliver precision, scalability, and cost efficiency is driving widespread adoption across textile manufacturing operations. As demand for high-performance fabrics continues to grow, the knitting machines market is evolving into a technology-driven sector focused on automation, flexibility, and productivity improvements.
| Market Scope | |
|---|---|
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Year | 2026-2035 |
| Start Value | $5.4 Billion |
| Forecast Value | $9.4 Billion |
| CAGR | 5.7% |
The weft knitting machines segment accounted for 67.9% share in 2025, generating USD 3.7 billion owing to its adaptability in producing a broad range of fabric structures, supporting both simple and complex designs. Its capability to handle diverse production requirements efficiently continues to drive demand. Within this segment, circular weft knitting machines represented 52.1% of the market in 2025, supported by their efficiency in continuous fabric production and ability to maintain consistency across high-volume manufacturing processes.
The direct sales segment held a 60.2% share in 2025, accounting for USD 3.3 billion, owing to the high-value and customized nature of machinery procurement, where buyers prefer direct interaction with manufacturers for tailored solutions. Direct engagement enables better alignment with technical requirements, as well as access to installation support, training, and long-term service agreements. This trend reflects a shift toward integrated offerings where suppliers provide comprehensive production solutions rather than standalone equipment.
United States Knitting Machines Market accounted for 82.7% share in 2025. Growth in this region is supported by increasing investments in advanced textile production and the rising adoption of automated manufacturing technologies. The shift toward localized production and the demand for high-performance textile solutions are encouraging the use of modern knitting systems. Additionally, the focus on sustainable manufacturing practices and operational efficiency continues to support market expansion.
Key companies operating in the Global Knitting Machines Market include Karl Mayer, Mayer & Cie, Shima Seiki, Lonati, Santoni, Terrot, Orizio, Pai Lung, Fukuhara, Jingwei Textile Machinery, Flying Tiger, Lisky, Hanma (Zhenfu), Lamb, and Tompkins. Companies in the Global Knitting Machines Market are strengthening their competitive position through continuous technological advancement and product innovation. Manufacturers are investing in automation, digital controls, and software integration to enhance machine efficiency and flexibility. Expanding service offerings, including training and maintenance, helps build long-term customer relationships. Strategic collaborations and global distribution expansion are improving market reach. Firms are also focusing on developing energy-efficient and sustainable machinery to meet evolving industry standards. Customization capabilities and integrated production solutions are further enabling companies to address diverse customer needs and maintain a strong foothold in the competitive landscape.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope
- 1.1 Market scope and definition
- 1.2 Research design
- 1.2.1 Research approach
- 1.2.2 Data collection methods
- 1.3 Data mining sources
- 1.3.1 Global
- 1.3.2 Regional/Country
- 1.4 Base estimates and calculations
- 1.4.1 Base year calculation
- 1.4.2 Key trends for market estimation
- 1.5 Primary research and validation
- 1.5.1 Primary sources
- 1.6 Forecast model
- 1.7 Research assumptions and limitations
Chapter 2 Executive Summary
- 2.1 Industry 360° synopsis
- 2.2 Key market trends
- 2.2.1 Regional
- 2.2.2 Type
- 2.2.3 Knit type
- 2.2.4 Mode of operation
- 2.2.5 End use industry
- 2.2.6 Distribution channel
Chapter 3 Industry Insights
- 3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
- 3.1.1 Supplier landscape
- 3.1.2 Profit margin
- 3.1.3 Value addition at each stage
- 3.1.4 Factor affecting the value chain
- 3.2 Industry impact forces
- 3.2.1 Growth drivers
- 3.2.1.1 Surge in athleisure & sportswear demand
- 3.2.1.2 Automation & industry 4.0 integration
- 3.2.1.3 Reshoring & smart manufacturing
- 3.2.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
- 3.2.2.1 High CAPEX for advanced machinery
- 3.2.2.2 Volatility in raw material prices
- 3.2.3 Opportunities
- 3.2.3.1 Sustainable "zero-waste" production
- 3.2.3.2 Technical textiles expansion
- 3.2.1 Growth drivers
- 3.3 Growth potential analysis
- 3.4 Future market trends
- 3.5 Technology and innovation landscape
- 3.5.1 Current technological trends
- 3.5.2 Emerging technologies
- 3.6 Price analysis (driven by primary research)
- 3.6.1 Historical price trend analysis
- 3.6.2 Pricing strategy by player type (premium / value / cost-plus)
- 3.6.3 Price variance by machine type & gauge
- 3.6.4 Total cost of ownership analysis
- 3.7 Regulatory landscape
- 3.7.1 Standards and compliance requirements
- 3.7.2 Regional regulatory frameworks
- 3.7.3 Certification standards
- 3.8 Porter's analysis
- 3.9 PESTEL analysis
- 3.10 Trade Data Analysis (Driven by paid database)
- 3.10.1 Import/export volume & value trends by region
- 3.10.2 Key trade corridors & tariff impact
- 3.10.3 Trade flow dynamics (China, Germany, Italy, Japan)
- 3.11 Impact of AI & generative AI on the market
- 3.11.1 AI-driven disruption of traditional knitting operations
- 3.11.2 GenAI use cases & adoption roadmap by segment
- 3.11.2.1 Automated pattern design & customization
- 3.11.2.2 Predictive maintenance & downtime reduction
- 3.11.2.3 Quality control & defect detection
- 3.11.3 Risks, limitations & regulatory considerations
Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2025
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Company market share analysis
- 4.2.1 By region
- 4.2.1.1 North America
- 4.2.1.2 Europe
- 4.2.1.3 Asia Pacific
- 4.2.1.4 Latin America
- 4.2.1.5 Middle East and Africa
- 4.2.1 By region
- 4.3 Company matrix analysis
- 4.4 Competitive analysis of major market players
- 4.5 Competitive positioning matrix
- 4.6 Key developments
- 4.6.1 Mergers & acquisitions
- 4.6.2 Partnerships & collaborations
- 4.6.3 New product launches
- 4.6.4 Expansion plans
Chapter 5 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Type, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 5.1 Key trends
- 5.2 Warp knitting machines
- 5.2.1 Raschel warp
- 5.2.2 Tricot warp
- 5.2.3 Others (crochet etc.)
- 5.3 Weft knitting machines
- 5.3.1 Circular
- 5.3.2 Straight bar
- 5.3.3 Others (loop wheel etc.)
Chapter 6 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Knit Type, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 6.1 Key trends
- 6.2 Single knit
- 6.3 Double knit
Chapter 7 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Mode of Operation, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 7.1 Key trends
- 7.2 Manual
- 7.3 Semi-automatic
- 7.4 Fully automatic
Chapter 8 Market Estimates & Forecast, By End Use Industry, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 8.1 Key trends
- 8.2 Automotive textiles
- 8.3 Sports textiles
- 8.4 Apparel textiles
- 8.5 Home textiles
- 8.6 Others (footwear industry etc.)
Chapter 9 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Distribution Channel, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 9.1 Key trends
- 9.2 Direct sales
- 9.3 Indirect sales
Chapter 10 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Region, 2022 - 2035 (USD Billion) (Thousand Units)
- 10.1 Key trends
- 10.2 North America
- 10.2.1 U.S.
- 10.2.2 Canada
- 10.3 Europe
- 10.3.1 Germany
- 10.3.2 UK
- 10.3.3 France
- 10.3.4 Italy
- 10.3.5 Spain
- 10.4 Asia Pacific
- 10.4.1 China
- 10.4.2 Japan
- 10.4.3 India
- 10.4.4 Australia
- 10.4.5 South Korea
- 10.5 Latin America
- 10.5.1 Brazil
- 10.5.2 Mexico
- 10.5.3 Argentina
- 10.6 Middle East and Africa
- 10.6.1 South Africa
- 10.6.2 Saudi Arabia
- 10.6.3 UAE
Chapter 11 Company Profiles
- 11.1 Flying Tiger
- 11.2 Fukuhara
- 11.3 Hanma (Zhenfu)
- 11.4 Jingwei Textile Machinery
- 11.5 Karl Mayer
- 11.6 Lamb
- 11.7 Lisky
- 11.8 Lonati
- 11.9 Mayer & Cie
- 11.10 Orizio
- 11.11 Pai Lung
- 11.12 Santoni
- 11.13 Shima Seiki
- 11.14 Terrot
- 11.15 Tompkins
