Industrial Knitting Equipment Market

Industrial Knitting Equipment Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global industrial knitting equipment market is projected to be valued at USD 1,400 million by 2025, as per Fact.MR analysis, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% and reach USD 1,970 million by 2035.

Fact.MR analysis revealed that the industrial knitting equipment industry experienced subdued yet consistent growth in 2024. The year was marked by a moderate recovery in capital expenditure among textile manufacturers, following two years of tight liquidity and supply chain disruptions.

The majority of the growth stemmed from the demand for automatic circular knitting machines, which gained traction in Asia and certain regions of Central Europe. High-speed machines that allowed for finer gauges and smoother switching between yarn types were particularly attractive to high-end apparel companies updating their performance wear lines.

At the same time, medium-sized factories in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are increasingly investing in semi-automatic machines due to favorable leasing conditions and localized government assistance programs. Retrofitting demand also accelerated as businesses prioritized modular overhauls over full machine replacements. Energy-efficient models garnered significant attention in EU nations due to carbon-reduction compliance regulations.

Looking to 2025 and beyond, the trend is set to continue upwards. Fact.MR believes that the evolution of real-time monitoring, combined with the integration of fabric quality AI and persistent labor shortages in leading textile-producing economies, will drive the faster adoption of automation. Furthermore, growth in demand for functional textiles and hybrid materials is likely to drive R&D in machine versatility, leading the industry to higher value zones through 2035.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 1,400 Million
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 1,970 Million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3.5%

Fact.MR Survey Results: Market Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, and textile producers in the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea)

Global stakeholders in the textile machinery market are largely aligned on core priorities such as automation integration (81%), material durability (74%), and the shared challenge of rising equipment costs, with 88% citing price increases in steel and electronics. While steel remains the preferred material globally (68%) for its reliability, regional variations reflect different strategic focuses.

The U.S. emphasizes productivity and high-speed output (69%), along with a strong belief in the return on investment (ROI) of automation (73%), while 63% have already adopted IoT-enabled systems. In contrast, Western Europe leads in sustainability efforts, with 84% prioritizing concerns about energy and carbon footprints, and 52% deploying automated fault detection systems, driven by stringent energy regulations. Japan and South Korea prioritize affordability and compact machine designs, with 66% favoring space-saving architectures and 71% preferring models priced under $80,000.

Future investment plans also reflect this divergence. While 77% of the global population intends to adopt AI-integrated, predictive-maintenance knitting systems, the U.S. (64%) prioritizes multifunctional units, Western Europe (58%) is driving toward zero-emission machinery, and Japan and South Korea (47%) are eyeing vertical-layout systems for urban factories.

Regulatory impacts further shape these choices: 83% in Western Europe view sustainability policies as growth catalysts, versus only 36% in Japan and South Korea, where fragmented enforcement limits their influence. Despite common challenges like skilled labor shortages and sourcing delays, regional strategies vary significantly, underscoring the need for localized innovation in product design and service delivery.

Impact of Government Regulation

Country	Policy & Regulatory Impact
United States	Federal and state energy-efficiency mandates, particularly California’s Title 24 and New York’s Green Building Standards, are promoting the use of low-consumption textile machinery. UL listing and ANSI/ISO 9001 certification are standard requirements for safety and quality assurance. [Source: U.S. Department of Energy],
United Kingdom	The shift from CE to UKCA marking post-Brexit requires manufacturers to obtain UK-specific conformity for machinery. The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) provides grants for energy-efficient equipment, favoring automation and reduced emissions.
Germany	Compliance with the EU Ecodesign Directive and CE conformity is mandatory. Energy audits are required under the Energy Services Act, aligning with EN 16247-1 standards. Sustainability requirements are reinforced through Germany’s implementation of the EU Green Deal.
France	The Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy imposes design and recyclability requirements for industrial equipment. ESG reporting is mandated under Article 173 of the Energy Transition for Green Growth Law. CE marking remains compulsory.
Italy	Tax credits under the “Industria 4.0” initiative are granted for digitalized, sensor-equipped machinery. CE certification and ISO 14001 are often required for environmental compliance and to meet financing eligibility requirements.
Japan	The Top Runner Program incentivizes voluntary energy efficiency, with JIS standards commonly applied in textile manufacturing equipment. Urban policies emphasize low-noise and compact machinery for space-constrained environments.
South Korea	The Korean New Deal includes provisions for funding smart factory infrastructure. Industrial machinery must comply with KC certification standards. Regulations focus on low-carbon manufacturing systems.
China	The “Made in China 2025” strategy prioritizes automation and efficiency in the textile machinery sector. All industrial equipment must hold CCC certification to enter the legal industry. Special economic zones provide funding for AI-based knitting technology.
Australia-NZ	Machinery must meet MEPS energy benchmarks and carry the RCM mark for safety and EMC compliance. Government programs under the Business Growth Agenda support export-focused automation upgrades.

Market Analysis

The industrial knitting equipment industry is set on a steady growth path driven by rising automation in textile manufacturing and increasing demand for high-performance technical fabrics. Fact.MR analysis revealed that companies investing in energy-efficient, AI-integrated machines will gain a competitive edge, particularly in the fast-fashion, medical, and automotive industries. Conversely, manufacturers relying on outdated or labor-intensive equipment risk losing relevance as sustainability and speed become central to procurement decisions.

Top Strategic Imperatives, Risk Assessments and Watchlist for Stakeholders

To scale operations, textile machinery stakeholders should prioritize investing in fully automated, IoT-enabled knitting systems that enhance throughput, reduce human error, and meet rising demands for precision across fashion, medical, and technical textiles.

Aligning with global sustainability mandates is equally critical, as tightening environmental regulations and ESG-driven procurement are prompting manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient machines and more environmentally friendly production processes.

At the same time, expanding through regional partnerships, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, and integrating upstream with yarn suppliers or component innovators can help reduce lead times and ensure material consistency in high-demand segments.

On the executive front, immediate priorities include upgrading automation infrastructure, launching an OEM-driven product feedback loop for hybrid and performance fabric needs, and piloting partner incentives in aftermarket channels within high-growth regions.

However, stakeholders must remain vigilant of three key risks. First, global supply chain disruptions for microelectronics and precision components pose a medium-probability but high-impact threat, potentially delaying upgrades and new installations.

Second, the delayed adoption of automation in cost-sensitive markets, such as South Asia, presents a high-probability, medium-impact risk, which could hinder tech scalability. Lastly, regulatory shifts —especially sudden mandates on emissions or energy use in the EU and East Asia —may accelerate the obsolescence of older equipment, straining capital budgets.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must immediately reorient their capital deployment toward automation-ready, energy-efficient knitting systems, especially in regions with rising compliance pressure and demand for technical textiles. This intelligence signals a shift from volume-based competitiveness to innovation-driven differentiation.

Fact.MR analysis found that early movers who integrate OEM feedback, modernize distribution networks, and invest in AI-based process optimization will outperform peers who are still focused on legacy cost efficiencies. Roadmaps must now prioritize scalable, smart production capabilities and proactive ecosystem partnerships to secure long-term relevance.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Product Type

The most profitable product segment is circular knitting equipment, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. This segment remains dominant due to its superior production speed, versatility, and ability to produce seamless tubular fabrics, which are used extensively in sportswear, casual clothing, and home textiles.

Fact.MR analysis found that textile manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing machinery that supports high-volume, continuous production with minimal downtime, making circular knitting equipment a preferred choice. Technological integration, such as computerized controls, automatic fabric take-down systems, and yarn feeders, has further enhanced productivity and reduced human error.

Manufacturers in China, Germany, and India are ramping up production and exports of circular knitting machines, targeting large textile hubs in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Additionally, the resurgence of interest in circular knitwear across global fashion trends is strengthening adoption. High operational efficiency and support for multiple fabric types position this segment for sustained leadership in the coming decade.

By Automation Level

The most profitable automation level segment is automatic equipment, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. These machines are in increasing demand due to their ability to perform high-speed knitting with minimal manual intervention, thereby drastically reducing labor costs and improving production efficiency.

Fact.MR analysis found that full automation, including auto yarn changers, computerized needle selection, and integrated patterning systems, is driving significant transformation in textile production workflows. Large-scale apparel exporters and technical textile producers are rapidly transitioning to fully automatic systems to meet high-volume, precision-driven output targets.

Furthermore, the integration of IoT and AI-based diagnostics enables predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and performance analytics features, which are particularly sought after in smart factory environments. While initial investment is substantial, long-term gains in throughput, consistency, and labor optimization make this segment highly lucrative. Government subsidies for Industry 4.0 upgrades in countries like Germany, China, and South Korea further reinforce its accelerating adoption curve.

By End Use

The most profitable end-use segment is technical textiles, which is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2035. This category encompasses textiles used in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, geotextiles, construction, and industrial safety applications, which require strength, durability, and specific performance characteristics.

Fact.MR analysis found that the increasing adoption of engineered fabrics in both emerging and developed economies is accelerating investments in knitting equipment capable of producing functional, reinforced, and breathable materials.

Automatic knitting machines with advanced loop structures and programmable material feeders are enabling producers to meet complex specifications across tensile strength, elasticity, and resistance. The rise of infrastructure projects, growth in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, and global industrial safety standards are driving demand for high-performance knit materials.

Additionally, smart textiles and sensor-embedded knits are opening new frontiers for R&D-driven companies. Manufacturers that specialize in this segment benefit from higher margins and long-term contracts, underscoring their leadership potential.

Country-wise Insights

U.S.

In the U.S., the landscape is likely to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period of 2025-2035. Fact.MR analysis revealed that the sector is being shaped by rising automation trends in textile manufacturing, particularly in key hubs of the Southeast.

High-performance systems integrated with AI-based diagnostics and real-time fault monitoring are gaining widespread adoption. This transformation is supported by regional policy and increasing pressure to meet energy efficiency targets. Additionally, the resurgence of reshoring trends and investments by defense textile contractors is prompting mid-sized mills to upgrade legacy equipment.

The industry continues to benefit from favorable regulatory incentives, including state-led sustainability programs and tax benefits tied to energy-efficient capital goods. However, supply chain pressures around electronic components and steel pricing remain challenges for consistent rollout. Overall, the U.S. is poised to maintain a leadership position in high-value textile machinery adoption, driven by innovation capacity, supportive infrastructure, and end-user diversity.

UK

UK’s sales are expected to register a CAGR of 3.1% in the assessment term. The industry is gradually realigning following Brexit-related disruptions, with local producers focusing on retrofitting and importing UKCA-compliant products.

Demand is particularly strong in the protective, medical, and technical textile domains, where fine-gauge automated knitting machines enable higher consistency in output. Fact.MR analysis revealed that sustainability targets, such as the Net Zero Strategy and industrial decarbonization programs, are playing a crucial role in defining procurement criteria for new machinery.

Additionally, partnerships between textile manufacturers and academic institutions are fueling the early adoption of next-generation knitting technologies. While the CAPEX environment remains conservative, there is growing interest in leasing and pay-per-use models.

Domestic assembly initiatives are gaining traction to reduce import dependency, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With increasing pressure to align with ESG standards and evolving product design flexibility, the UK is positioned as a steadily modernizing arena for precision-focused textile technology.

France

France is expected to experience growth at a rate of 3.4% CAGR during the assessment period. A surge in demand for eco-conscious apparel and specialized technical fabrics has prompted manufacturers to adopt smart, modular systems.

Fact.MR analysis revealed that government regulations, such as the Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Law, are accelerating the shift toward machines with lower emissions, built-in resource tracking, and enhanced recyclability. Key industrial hubs around Lyon and Lille are witnessing rising adoption of AI-assisted circular and flatbed equipment that can accommodate short-run customization needs.

Despite the upfront cost barrier, textile startups and eco-conscious fashion brands are driving the transition to automation. Public-private co-investment programs and EU recovery funds are also contributing to improved accessibility of high-end systems for smaller players. France’s continued push for circular production models, combined with its role in European textile innovation, reinforces its position as a critical node in the industry’s future growth trajectory.

Germany

In Germany, the landscape is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2025 to 2035. The country remains a hub of precision textile technology deployment, fueled by advanced manufacturing norms and regulatory frameworks.

Fact.MR analysis revealed that German manufacturers and textile processors are prioritizing energy-efficient, CE-compliant machines in accordance with the EU Ecodesign and Energy Efficiency Directives. Advanced technologies, including sensor-driven yarn control and predictive maintenance, are gaining rapid traction in both technical textile and performance wear applications.

Support from public R&D frameworks, such as Industrie 4.0, is helping bridge legacy systems with smart production infrastructure. The combination of consistent export demand, engineering excellence, and institutional funding makes Germany a trendsetter in textile technology innovation. While the domestic environment is competitive and mature, Germany’s ongoing focus on sustainability and efficiency is expected to secure long-term industry leadership.

Italy

In Italy, the sector is projected to grow at a 3.6% CAGR during the forecast period. The country's deeply rooted fashion and textile culture, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Tuscany, ensures a steady demand for high-end, design-flexible machinery.

Fact.MR analysis found that the government's Industria 4.0 initiative has helped small and mid-sized apparel firms digitize operations and access tax incentives for smart machinery investments. Demand is skewing toward modular flatbed and stripe systems that handle a wide variety of luxury and technical yarns.

Manufacturers are increasingly adopting CE and ISO 14001-certified systems for traceability and integration of sustainability-linked financing. The aftermarket and retrofit services continue to assist the aged mills in switching over to the energy-efficient platforms. Design-centric innovation together with policy-backed modernization would make Italy a promising growth contributor into the premium segment for textile equipment and technology.

South Korea

In South Korea, the sector is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2025 and 2035. Seoul, Incheon, and surrounding tech corridors have been investing in automation-friendly textile solutions, often supported by the Korean New Deal and Smart Factory initiatives.

Fact.MR research revealed that SMEs are replacing conventional machines with semi-automatic and space-saving AI-equipped machines to optimize floor space and maintain continuity in production. The scarcity of land in urban areas is also driving demand for stackable and vertical configurations and equipment solutions.

Regulatory agencies such as KATS mandate safety and energy efficiency regulations through compulsory KC certification. Local adoption is being promoted by the government with grant-backed innovation clusters. Leasing arrangements and online training assistance are emerging as necessary vehicles for national growth. With increasing import competition, South Korea's nimble uptake of textile automation for export-led knitwear production is a testament to its future potential in the region.

Japan

Japan is expected to register a CAGR of 2.9% from 2025 to 2035. The domestic industry continues to grapple with structural issues stemming from its aging production base and conservative approach to high-value capital investment.

Fact.MR research discovered that although Japanese businesses are at the forefront of innovation, numerous manufacturers are still reluctant to automate fully because of batch-oriented production and thin margins. Demand is strongest for small, modular systems customized to limited factory space in highly populated urban regions.

The voluntary Top Runner Program promotes the utilization of energy-saving equipment, with weak enforcement. Hybrid steel-aluminum systems are preferred owing to strength and space-saving advantages. Although the sector is consolidating, promising signs of renewal are evident in advanced sportswear and medical textile companies exploring modernization. Japan’s performance will depend on the ability to bridge conservative investment cycles with cutting-edge technological capabilities.

China

China is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035. Textile hubs across the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong are installing high-throughput automated machines as part of the Made in China 2025 initiative.

According to the analysis by Fact. MR, support offered by the state to the AI-based defect tracking, predictive maintenance, and smarter scheduling systems was one of the driving forces behind the fast modernization that took place in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. CCC certification is mandatory, but many producers are aligning with CE and ISO standards to increase global competitiveness.

Accelerating investment traction results from government subsidies on smart manufacturing, increasing demand for technical textiles, and domestic environmental regulations. Moreover, it is said that companies are focusing on modularity and local part availability for maintenance bottlenecks. When the cost of labor increases and ecological pressure mounts, automation-centric growth in textile machinery is more likely to position China as a global volume and technology leader.

Competitive Landscape

The industrial knitting equipment industry is moderately consolidated, with a handful of dominant players such as Karl Mayer, Shima Seiki, Santoni, and Mayer & Cie. holding sizable shares. At the same time, several regional and niche manufacturers operate independently, catering to localized or specialized textile applications.

Top companies are competing through innovation in automation, energy efficiency, and smart knitting systems while forming strategic partnerships and expanding into high-growth regions. Chief development strategies are AI-based product portfolios, sustainability upgrades, and mergers to attain technological and geographical advantages.

In 2024, Karl Mayer introduced the MAX GLASS ECO composite machine that was specifically designed for technical textiles used in wind power applications. The firm also exhibited the HKS 3 M-ON warp knitting machine at Techtextil North America 2025 to support its pipeline of innovation.

Shima Seiki launched the SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® machine at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024, raising the performance of 3D knitting for on-demand and zero-waste production of apparel.

Santoni Shanghai, which is a Lonati Group company, finalized the acquisition of Terrot GmbH late in 2023 with a view to consolidating leadership in circular knitting. Santoni, in 2024, collaborated with UK's Vickers on the INNOTAS self-cleaning system for enhancing operational sustainability and minimizing downtime.

Moreover, in 2024, Mayer & Cie. introduced the Relanit 3.2 HS II and SF4 3.2 III machines at ITM 2024 and showcased the Nighthawk defect detection system and Control 5.0 unit, once again displaying leadership in developing smart knitting systems.

Market Share Analysis

Karl Mayer is set to retain its leading position in warp knitting with a projected market share of 20-25%, driven by its KM.ON digital platform and dominance in technical textiles across automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. Its ongoing automation push and expansion in Asia-Pacific will reinforce this leadership.

Shima Seiki, with an expected 15-20% share, will continue to thrive on the back of WHOLEGARMENT® technology, catering to luxury and 3D knitwear markets with zero-waste, on-demand solutions. Its strong presence in Asia and the U.S. will further its role in sustainable garment manufacturing.

Santoni, holding 12-18%, will lead in circular knitting with energy-efficient machines and seamless wear innovations, particularly benefiting from athleisure growth in China and Bangladesh. Mayer & Cie. (10-15%) will capitalize on Relanit® technology and collaborations with Adidas and Nike, focusing on sportswear and circular knitting with recycled yarns.

Terrot, at 8-12%, will serve precision-driven sectors like medical and industrial textiles, especially in Europe and North America. Pailung, with 5-10%, will grow steadily in Southeast Asia, offering affordable, fast-turnaround solutions ideal for knitwear exporters in Vietnam and Bangladesh.

Other Key Players

• Lamb Knitting Machine Corporation
• Kauo Heng Precision Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Shishi Zhenfu Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd.
• Fung Chang Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Taiwan Giu Chun Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Orizio S.r.l.
• Busi Giovanni S.r.l.
• Jiangsu Jinlong Machinery Co., Ltd.
• Wellknit Machinery Co., Ltd.
• Unitex Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd.
• Jiunn Long Machine Industrial Co., Ltd.
• DaKong Enterprise Co., Ltd.
• Comez International S.r.l.
• Precimec S.A.
• Hangzhou Honghua Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

Industrial Knitting Equipment Market Segmentation

• By Automation Level :

  • Semi-automatic Industrial Knitting Equipment
  • Automatic Industrial Knitting Equipment

• By Product :

  • Flat Bed Knitting Equipment
  • Auto Stripe Equipment
  • Circular Knitting Equipment

• By End Use :

  • Technical Textiles
  • Medical Textiles
  • Automotive Textiles
  • Readymade Clothes
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa