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Large Circular Knitting Machines Market

Large Circular Knitting Machines Market

The market for Large Circular Knitting Machines was estimated at $1.46 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $2.0 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $2.7 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1401105
Author:Swarup Sahu - Senior Consultant
Published Date:February 2025
Datatree
Industrial Tools & Machinery
Production Tools & Equipment
Large Circular Knitting Machines
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Report Summary
Table of Contents
Methodology
Market Data

Global Large Circular Knitting Machines Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024 (US$B)

$1.5B

Forecast, 2034 (US$B)

$2.6B

CAGR, 2024 - 2034

5.8%
The Large Circular Knitting Machines industry revenue is expected to be around $1.5 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 5.8% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. The substantial growth in the market for Large Circular Knitting Machines is indicative of its continued significance in the textiles industry. Key driving factors include an increasing demand for knitted fabrics, technological advancements, and the widespread adoption of automated systems in textiles production. In response, manufacturers are focusing on creating knitting machines that offer high productivity with lower energy consumption, demonstrating the ongoing relevance and necessity of these machines in the industry.

In essence, Large Circular Knitting Machines are designed to produce seamless knitted fabrics at a high production rate, employing a series of needles arranged in a circle. These machines enable a wide range of knitted fabrics to manufacture, from fine fabrics used in fashion to heavy-knit materials for home furnishings. Notably, recent trends driving demand include knitting machines offering additional integrated features such as computer-controlled pattern selection, multi-gauge options, and increased needles count for better fabric quality.

large circular knitting machines market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034

Market Key Insights

  • The Large Circular Knitting Machines market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to $2.6 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 5.8%, reflecting rising demand across Apparel Manufacturing, Medical Textiles Manufacturing and Sportswear Production.
  • Taitexma Machinery Co., Ltd., Santoni S.P.A are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
  • China and Germany are the top markets within the Large Circular Knitting Machines market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 3.8% to 5.6% between 2024 and 2030.
  • Emerging markets including Vietnam, Nigeria and Colombia are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 6.7% to 8.0%.
  • Transition like Automation Advancements is expected to add $100.0 million to the Large Circular Knitting Machines market growth by 2030
  • The Large Circular Knitting Machines market is set to add $1.1 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Textile Mills & Specialty Textile Producers End-Users projected to gain a larger market share.
  • With Industrial automation, and Versatile application, Large Circular Knitting Machines market to expand 76% between 2024 and 2034.
large circular knitting machines market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032

Opportunities in the Large Circular Knitting Machines

Fashion trends are dynamic and constantly evolving based on changing consumer preferences. This creates opportunities for Large Circular Knitting Machine manufacturers to align their product development strategies with emerging fashion trends.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

North America Outlook

Large Circular Knitting Machines in North America, particularly within the United States, are a significant component of the industrial machinery industry. The primary market driver is the regions robust textile industry, which demands technologically advanced and efficient knitting machines for streamlined operations. Competitors in this market include eminent companies such as Mayer & Cie and Santoni who provide state-of-the-art large circular knitting machines. The advent of smart factories and Industry 4.0 positively impacts the demand for such machines in North America, posing substantial opportunities for growth. Moreover, the increasing inclination toward domestic production to reduce dependency on global supply chains is expected to further propel the market.

Europe Outlook

The European market for Large Circular Knitting Machines is also poised for substantial growth with Germany at the forefront. The intense competition principally stems from top-rated knitting machine manufacturers based here, contribute to Europe's dominance in the global market. With progressive technological advancements in the textile industry across the continent, the adoption of large circular knitting machines is anticipated to rise. Key market drivers include the presence of a robust fashion industry and a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. Furthermore, the regions commitment to enhancing production efficiencies and its proclivity for superior-quality textiles hint at lucrative opportunities in the European market.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Industrial Automation, and Innovative Textile Trends

With the advent of Industry 4.0, the adoption of automated processes in manufacturing has also increased. Large Circular Knitting Machines, being an essential part of textile manufacturing, have also also witnessed significant growth in their demand. The automated functioning of these machines enhances productivity and efficiency, significantly reducing the manual intervention. The constant technology integration improves the machines precision, making it a key growth for the Large Circular Knitting Machines. The global textile industry is also experiencing innovative material trends, including the use of sustainable and recycled fabrics. In this regard, Large Circular Knitting Machines play a crucial role in fabricating these modern materials. The machines are also capable of processing diverse range of materials, thus driving their industry demand. The trend of innovative and sustainable textiles is also therefore one of the primary s for the growth of the Large Circular Knitting Machines market.
Large Circular Knitting Machines have also potential applications in various industry verticals, including apparel, hosiery, sportswear, and industrial textiles. These machines are also more capable, producing numerouss of knits, which aids in their diversified industry adoption. The versatility of Large Circular Knitting Machines accelerates their market demand across various sectors, stimulating their market growth.
02

Restraint: High Initial Investment

The large circular knitting machines market is hindered by the significant initial investment required for the purchase and installation of these machines. These machines exhibit a high degree of technological sophistication that attributes to their high cost. When coupled with maintenance and operational expenses such as energy consumption and skilled labor costs, many manufacturers, especially those in emerging economies, may find it challenging to justify the cost. This can lower market demand for large circular knitting machines.
03

Opportunity: Exploring Unserved Markets and Embracing Technological Innovations

The textile industry is rapidly expanding in developing regions, such as South-East Asia, Middle-East, and Africa. There is enormous potential for Large Circular Knitting Machines in these underserved markets, specifically in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Nigeria, where the local textile industry is blossoming. By establishing a robust distribution and after-sales service network, manufacturers can capitalize on these untapped markets to drive immense growth for Large Circular Knitting Machines.
Advanced technology integration into Large Circular Knitting Machines can immensely increase their efficiency and productivity. Innovations such as automation, AI, and ML can enhance machine precision, reduce waste, and substantially increase knitting speed. Investing in these technological upgrades can provide a competitive edge to manufacturers and attract a larger client base.
04

Challenge: Slow Technological Adoption

Another challenge affecting the large circular knitting machines market is slow technological adoption in certain regions. Despite the automation and efficiency benefits of these machines, manufacturers in regions with low technological advancements or acceptance often prefer traditional knitting methods. There is an unwillingness or inability to embrace new technologies due to the steep associated learning curve, migration costs, or fear of job displacement. These factors contribute to limiting the growth of the large circular knitting machines market.

Supply Chain Landscape

1
Raw Material Providers

DowDuPont

BASF

2
Machinery Manufacturers

STOLL

BENTLEY

3
Component Suppliers

SKF

Timken

4
End Users

Adidas

Nike

*The illustration highlights the key stakeholders within the supply chain ecosystem.

Applications of Large Circular Knitting Machines in Apparel Manufacturing, Medical Textiles Manufacturing & Sportswear Production

Apparel Manufacturing

The use of Large Circular Knitting Machines is predominant in apparel manufacturing. Due to their high capacity and faster operation, these machines ease the production process of various knitwear such as sweaters, dresses, and scarves. Machines with multiple knitting systems are commonly used here, enabling the creation of complex designs and patterns. Top players in this sector often leverage these machines to streamline their production line, increase output, and consequently strengthen their market position.

Sportswear Production

Large Circular Knitting Machines also find remarkable applications in the production of sportswear. Given theindustry'sneed for breathable, stretchable, and durable materials, the utilization of double jersey knitting machines is quite common. These machines are recognized for producing high-quality knit fabrics with excellent elasticity and moisture-wicking properties, perfectly fitting the requirements of the sportswear industry. Market leaders in sportswear production extensively use these machines to produce superior-quality products that support their competitive edge.

Medical Textiles Manufacturing

The medical textiles industry greatly benefits from the use of Large Circular Knitting Machines. Single jersey knitting machines are heavily used in this sector to produce medical textiles such as bandages, compression stockings, and surgical caps. The unique properties of circular knitted products such as extensibility and softness make them ideal for therapeutic and medical uses. The key market players in this domain leverage the large-scale production advantage of these machines to cater to the ever-growing demand in the market.

Recent Developments

December 2024

The leading manufacturer, Bentley Knitting Machines, launched the PowerKnit 2024, a large circular knitting machine with advanced FabricSense technology which adjusts the knitting settings in real-time based on the of fabric used

October 2024

Walker Technologies introduced its state-of-the-art CircularMotion software, providing large circular knitting machine operators with advanced pattern design and machine control abilities

July 2024

Hyde Manufacturing made significant strides in energy efficiency with the launch of EcoThreader, a large circular knitting machine that uses 30% less energy compared to standard models in the market.

The Large Circular Knitting Machines market seen a boost in activity as textile industries look to exploit technological advancements to meet the demands of increasing production rates. The utilization of these machines has been found to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of knitting processes.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Large Circular Knitting Machines Market

As a core segment of the Production Tools & Equipment industry, the Large Circular Knitting Machines market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Automation Advancements and Sustainability Focus have redefined priorities across the Production Tools & Equipment sector, influencing how the Large Circular Knitting Machines market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Automation Advancements

The knitting industry has seen a significant transition towards automation in recent years. The advent of Large Circular Knitting Machines equipped with automated features represents a clear shift in the technological landscape of the industry. These advanced knitting machines offer more precision, consistency, and speed, thus improving production efficiency. An excellent example is the textile industry, which greatly benefits from these machines. Their enhanced functionality has improved the intricacies of fabric design, reducing manual effort, and subsequently, operational costs. The result is a higher output of quality knitwear at a faster pace, effectively catering to the increasing demand in the market, especially in sectors like fashion and home textiles. This industry transition is expected to add $100 million in the industry revenue between 2024 and 2030.
02

Sustainability Focus

Another noticeable transition is the push towards sustainability within the knitting industry. Large Circular Knitting Machines have started incorporating ecofriendly technologies or using materials with less environmental impact. Zerowaste knitting techniques offered by these machines are a crucial part of this sustainability drive. These machines significantly minimize fabric waste, marking a step towards sustainable production practices.

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