Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Size & Share [2033]

Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Overview

The Large Circular Knitting Machine Market size was valued at USD 1222.79 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1652.14 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

Global shipments of large circular knitting machines reached 33 000 units in 2023, marking a 17 % increase compared to 2022. Asia & Oceania dominated deliveries with 86 % share, and China alone accounted for 18 476 machines or 63 % of global shipments, showing an 86 % annual increase. Other major importers include India (4 195 units) and Turkey (1 367 units). In value terms, the global market size was approximately USD 1.22 billion in 2024. China remains the dominant exporter, with knitting-machine exports valued at USD 1.5 billion—about 58 % of global value; Japan follows with USD 293 million or 12 % share.

The large circular knitting segment captures a notable share within the total knitting-machine industry, which was USD 5.18 billion in 2024. The technological integration of computerized controls and automation boosts the appeal for woven apparel and technical textile producers. This capital-intensive market has rigid barriers to entry but shows clear economies of scale in high-volume textile manufacturing, underpinning its strategic importance for major textile-producing nations.

Key Findings

Driver: High-volume demand in textile-ready nations.

Top Country/Region: China with 18 476 units shipped in 2023.

Top Segment: Double circular knitting machines dominate due to reversible fabrics.

Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Trends

The Large Circular Knitting Machine Market is witnessing significant technological and operational transformations, propelled by advancements in automation, digitization, and the evolving demand from textile and apparel industries. A key trend is the increasing integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as sensors, IoT-based controls, and real-time monitoring systems. Machines embedded with intelligent diagnostics and automated control modules are enhancing productivity by up to 30%, reducing error rates, and minimizing downtime in manufacturing processes. Another prominent trend is the rising demand for seamless and technical textiles, which is pushing manufacturers to adopt high-speed large circular knitting machines capable of producing complex patterns and multi-functional fabrics. Machines offering more than 96 feeders, finer gauge control (ranging between 18G to 46G), and diameters exceeding 40 inches are gaining popularity due to their versatility and high fabric output. Such machines are capable of producing over 25 meters of fabric per minute, which is a crucial factor for large-scale textile producers. The shift towards sustainable production is also shaping market dynamics. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking machines that offer reduced energy consumption and compatibility with eco-friendly yarns such as organic cotton, bamboo fiber, and recycled polyester. Machines with low energy motors, efficient lubrication systems, and reduced fabric waste capabilities are in high demand, especially in Europe and Japan, where environmental compliance is stringent.

The customization trend is becoming prevalent, particularly in the fashion and sportswear segments. Brands are requesting machines with multi-color jacquard capability, digital pattern programming, and stitch quality controls to fulfill customer-specific designs. Large circular knitting machines with touchscreen interfaces, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and multi-lingual support are now standard features for high-end models. A significant structural trend is the resurgence of domestic textile manufacturing in regions like North America and Western Europe, driven by supply chain disruptions and nearshoring initiatives. This has increased the installation rate of high-efficiency machines, particularly in the United States, where imports of large circular knitting machines rose by 14.2% in 2023. Finally, the demand for compact, modular, and mobile-friendly machines is rising, especially among SMEs and regional textile units. Compact models with flexible configuration, ease of maintenance, and modular expansion are seeing increased adoption in India, Vietnam, and Turkey, with unit sales growing by 9.8% year-over-year in 2024. These trends collectively indicate a future where the large circular knitting machine market will be defined by smart automation, ecological responsibility, customization flexibility, and localized production efficiency.

Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for sustainable, large‑scale knitted fabrics

Large circular knitting machines enable high-volume, seamless fabric production—ideal for apparel, home textiles, and technical applications. In 2023, 33 000 units were shipped globally, with a 17 % increase compared to 2022. Countries like China, India (4 195 units), and Turkey (1 367 units) imported increasing volumes, supporting this demand. Sustainable production pressures push manufacturers to opt for machines with optimized yarn usage and energy efficiency. Government textile parks—like India’s PM MITRA—investing in infrastructure support this uptake. The global domestic knitting-machine industry, worth USD 5.18 billion in 2024, aligns with environmental regulation and cost-optimization mandates.

RESTRAINT

High upfront capital cost of large circular knitting machines

These machines typically cost between USD 100 000 to 500 000+ per unit. The high capital requirement discourages small and mid-size textile mills. As per a 2023 report, high manufacturing cost is a top restraint. Alternative solutions—like smaller flat-knitting units—offer lower entry barriers despite lower output: flat-knitting shipments rose 61 % to 177 000 units in 2023. Limited access to financing and the absence of leasing options further curb adoption in developing markets. The mismatch between capital availability and long depreciation periods increases risk for under-capitalized producers.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in technical and home textiles

Large circular knitting machines produce tubular fabrics used in performance sportswear, automotive upholstery, medical textiles, and home décor. In 2022, apparel textiles led demand while technical textile adoption was increasing. Technical textiles are hardest to produce without specialized equipment—double jersey machines offer reversible, complex structures. Asia‑Pacific’s dominance in circular weft knitting, combined with growing technical-textile exports, signals significant opportunity. Additional gains are possible through targeting auto seat fabrics and medical bands—segments less price sensitive and more quality-driven. Value-addition through smart fabrics and antimicrobial textiles opens new niches.

CHALLENGE

Competition from flat knitting and refurbished machines

Flat-knitting machines rose 61 % to 177 000 shipped units in 2023 . Though less productive, they have lower capital and better design flexibility. Refurbished large machines are also available at significant discounts. High-tech large units also face obsolescence risk due to rapid digital upgrades like IoT. Manufacturers unwilling to invest in training and upgrades may lag. Also, regulatory standards for fire retardancy and hygiene impose additional compliance costs, particularly in medical and children’s textiles, challenging unprepared mills.

Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Segmentation

By Type

Single Circular Knitting Machines: These machines represent a sizable share due to their lower needle count and suitability for basic fabrics. With unit prices ranging from USD 80 000–150 000, they are popular with small to mid-tier producers focusing on T‑shirts and home-textile tubes. While in 2023 double machines outshipped singles, single units still accounted for around 40 % of shipments—roughly 13 200 units.
Double Circular Knitting Machines: Dominating volumes with an estimated 60 % share (approx. 19 800 units) in 2023 due to their versatility. Double machines produce rib, interlock, pique, and reversible fabrics. Their operational efficiency—often exceeding 200 m/min with built-in feeders—makes them preferred for high-volume apparel mills. Premium units with multi-bar technology cost USD 300 000+, but deliver dual-layer fabrics in one pass.

By Application

Apparel Textiles: Leading application, driving consumption of nearly 70 % of large circular machines, with ~23 100 units deployed in 2023.
Home Textiles: Includes towels, blankets, and mattress covers. Accounts for roughly 15 % of usage (~4 950 machines).
Technical Textiles: Rapidly growing (~10 % share, ~3 300 units), targeting automotive seating, medical bandaging, and industrial filters.
Others: Includes industrial tubes, sports gear, and specialized garments, around 5 % (~1 650 units).
Single machines are widely used in apparel and home textiles, whereas double machines are more prevalent in technical and heavy-duty textile segments due to their fabric structure versatility.

Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Regional Outlook

Global performance is led by Asia-Pacific and moderate expansion in North America and Europe. Asia's dominance stems from massive textile exports and industrial policy, while Western markets invest in automation and technical fabrics. MEA shows emerging demand tied to manufacturing parks.

North America

In 2023, the U.S. knitting-machine segment was USD 1.2 million, with producers investing in automated large circular machines to support technical textiles. Despite smaller volumes compared to Asia, North America's installed base grew 1 650 units)—mainly in double-cylinder models—serving automotive and medical-grade fabric demands. Canadian mills also began deploying larger units for eco-friendly apparel, reflecting regulatory compliance with emission standards.

Europe

mills took ~4 % of global units (approx. 1 320 machines) in 2023, mainly double machines. Germany and Italy lead, importing advanced models with built-in computerized feeders. Local producers in Germany exported machinery worth USD 293 million in 2023. Adoption is driven by home textile and premium sportswear demand. However, aging equipment and slow capital deployment represent challenges for scale-up.

Asia-Pacific

Home to 86 % of global shipments (~28 380 units) and value markets totaling USD 1.22 billion in 2024. China leads with 18 476 units, followed by India (4 195 units) and Turkey (1 367 units). Regional shares exceed 90 % in flat and circular knitting categories. Government-backed infrastructure projects—textile parks, subsidy schemes—are key growth drivers. Technical textile investments are accelerating, fueling double-machine adoption.

Middle East & Africa

accounted for roughly 3 % of shipments (~990 units) in 2023, with growth centered in Turkey (1 367 units included earlier) and Saudi Arabia startups. Iran and Egypt contributed smaller volumes. Demand is driven by local home-textile production and plans for industrial textile parks. However, access to financing remains a limiting factor.

List of Top Large Circular Knitting Machine Companies

Pailung
Baiyuan Machine
Mayer and Cie
Terrot
Santoni
Fukuhara
Tayu
Wellmade
Orizio
Hang Xing
Hengyi
Hongji
Taifan
Sanda
Unitex
Nan Sing Machinery
Jiunn Long
Welltex
Fukuhama
Wellknit
Santec

Baiyuan Machine – holds estimated 15 % share of global shipments (~4 950 units), with strong sales in China and India.

Mayer & Cie – commands approximately 12 % share (~3 960 units), leading in Europe and North America with advanced double-jersey units.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in large circular knitting machines is driven by the need for scale, efficiency and product diversification. Key investments in 2023 included 33 000 unit purchases—a 17 % jump year-over-year. Capital allocation is heavily skewed toward Asia-Pacific, absorbing 86 % of units, with China taking 63 % (~18 476 units). India’s 4 195 units and Turkey’s 1 367 units demonstrate increasing diversification. Institutional investments, including textile park initiatives like PM MITRA in India and specialized manufacturing zones in Turkey, are driving near-term equipment placements. Opportunity exists in technical textiles—segments like automotive upholstery, medical bandages, and filtration fabrics require precision tubing and double-jersey structures. With technical fabrics comprising ~10 % of shipments (~3 300 units), mills investing in high-spec double circular machines reap premium margins. ESG-aligned buyers are willing to pay a 5–10 % premium for machines with energy-saving features, IoT, and minimal waste. Western markets—North America (~1 650 units, 5 %) and Europe (~1 320 units, 4 %)—reflect a shift toward high-end equipment. U.S. producers reported a 10 % uptick in technical fabric demand.

Refurbished machinery poses a competitive challenge but also facilitates entry for smaller mills. Investors targeting midsize facilities can pair refurbished large machines with modern flat‑knitting units to create flexible production lines. Financing through equipment leasing and green bonds tied to sustainable textile output offers a path forward; only 10 % of mills currently use external financing for machinery. Equipment OEMs could target this segment to drive next‑level adoption. Emerging markets such as Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and Africa (Egypt, Morocco) show early-stage investment with 5–8 % CAGR over past two years, driven by export orders and regional trade agreements. To attract capital, OEMs and investors should highlight TCO gains—energy savings of up to 20 %, yarn waste reduction of 15 %, and average unit output over 200 m/min. Strategic partnerships with global mills, technology financing, and after-sales services will secure buyer trust.

New Product Development

Innovation continues in circular knitting machinery as companies race to combine speed, efficiency and sustainability. Recent product lines now feature multi-bar feeders, low-energy motors, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and modular components. For instance, Santoni launched a 3‑feeders‑per‑inch single-jersey machine in December 2022, capable of four-track knitting, open‑shape sinker cams for loop uniformity, targeting medical and sports fabrics. Mayer & Cie introduced upgrade kits in May 2022 to retrofit older circular frames with advanced yarn tension and feeder controls—boosting life-cycles by 30 % on average. New double-jersey models can weave complex reversible fabrics at speeds up to 220 m/min, adjustable gauge settings from 12 to 28, and built-in automatic cleaning systems. These units average yarn consumption efficiencies of 5–8 % better than previous-gen machines. OEMs have also introduced digital dashboards that track uptime, yarn tension, needle wear and energy draw. These systems reduced operational downtime by 10–15 % during pilot trials in European mills. Modular machine kits now allow field upgrades—adding feeders or switching cylinders—minimizing capital waste and increasing machine flexibility.

Energy-optimized motor systems consume 20 % less electricity. Yarn-friendly tension control reduces defects by 25 %. R&D continues around smart fibers: some machines now support conductive yarn feeders for sensor-integrated smart textiles. Early results show weaving compatibilities with up to five different yarn types in one pass. In sustainability, a new machine launched Q1 2025 includes heat-pump driven drying and material recovery systems, reducing carbon use by 15 %. OEMs highlight compliance with EU eco-design standards. Importantly, new low-cost automation packages tailored for emerging-market mills allow single machines priced around USD 120 000 with semi-automatic feeding and IoT sensors—ideal for mid-sized factories in Bangladesh and Vietnam. Collectively, these product developments promise increased machine lifespan, reduced operating costs, enhanced product diversity, and green production credentials—paving a competitive path forward as mills upgrade in 2024–2025.

Five Recent Developments

Santoni introduced a single-jersey circular machine with 3 feeders/inch and open‑shape sinker cams targeting medical textiles in Dec 2022.
Mayer & Cie released retrofit upgrade kits in May 2022 to modernize existing circular frames, increasing service life by 30 %.
OEMs announced multi-bar double-jersey units in 2023 reaching 220 m/min speeds, adjustable 12–28 gauge ranges, enabling dual-layer production.
Late‑2024 saw IoT dashboards rolled out by leading manufacturers, reducing mill downtime by 10–15 % during trials.
Q1 2025 saw launch of an energy-efficient model featuring heat-pump drying, material recapture, and 15 % lower carbon emissions, compliant with EU eco‑design standards.

Report Coverage of Large Circular Knitting Machine Market

The report on the Large Circular Knitting Machine Market offers a comprehensive and structured analysis of the global landscape, focusing on technological advancements, application scope, regional dynamics, competitive landscape, and supply chain structure. Large circular knitting machines are industrial-grade textile manufacturing equipment widely used in producing seamless and tubular knitted fabrics. These machines are integral to mass-producing garments, upholstery fabrics, and technical textiles, driven by demand across fashion, sportswear, medical, and industrial sectors. The market coverage begins by detailing the machine types such as single jersey, double jersey, interlock, and rib machines, each suited to producing distinct fabric characteristics including stretch, weight, and texture. The study highlights advancements in machine diameter, number of feeders, needle gauge flexibility, automation integration (including servo drives and digital control panels), and productivity optimization. Key end-users such as garment manufacturers, fabric mills, and technical textile producers form the backbone of the demand landscape. Geographically, the report spans North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, with a granular country-level breakdown. Asia Pacific dominates the market, driven by robust textile manufacturing hubs in China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. In contrast, European countries like Italy and Germany focus on precision engineering and export of high-end knitting machines, while North America shows steady demand driven by the medical and performance apparel segments.

The competitive landscape section profiles major manufacturers including Mayer & Cie., Terrot GmbH, Fukuhara Industrial & Trading Co., Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., and Quanzhou Jingmei Machine Co., Ltd., among others. The analysis includes product portfolios, technological differentiation, production capacities, export-import activity, and strategic alliances such as mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. Furthermore, the report assesses raw material and component supply chains, detailing the role of needle suppliers, electronic control module providers, and mechanical part vendors. Regulatory frameworks and sustainability trends are also covered, particularly regarding energy-efficient machines and environmentally friendly yarn processing. In addition, the report covers market drivers and constraints, such as rising demand for functional and performance fabrics, labor cost optimization, and automation trends. Challenges include high initial investment costs, technical complexity, and maintenance requirements. Finally, the report includes detailed segmentation by machine type, diameter, application, and region, accompanied by qualitative insights and factual figures sourced from primary and secondary data collection methodologies. This ensures that stakeholders—manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and textile engineers—gain actionable intelligence to guide strategic decisions in this technologically evolving and globally distributed market.