Knitting Machine Market

The global knitting machine market is projected to experience growth in both consumption and value terms from 2022 to 2030. With an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% and +3.9% in consumption and market value respectively, the market is expected to reach 440K units and $4.5B by 2030. Consumption trends, production analysis, imports, and exports showcase key insights into the market dynamics. China, Japan, Canada, and India are among the top consumers, producers, and importers/exporters in the market, with varying growth rates and pricing strategies over the years.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 440K units by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $4.5B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Flat Knitting Machines, Stitch-Bonding Machines And Warp Knitting Machines

In 2022, approx. 410K units of flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines were consumed worldwide; picking up by 9.9% compared with 2021. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The global knitting machine market value contracted slightly to $3.3B in 2022, flattening at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $3.5B. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the global market failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (66K units), Canada (64K units) and India (58K units), together comprising 46% of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the key consuming countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +35.5%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($1.1B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($426M). It was followed by India.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Japan amounted to +1.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mexico (+6.1% per year) and India (+20.4% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of knitting machine per capita consumption in 2022 were Canada (1,648 units per million persons), Togo (889 units per million persons) and Germany (395 units per million persons).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +34.0%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Flat Knitting Machines, Stitch-Bonding Machines And Warp Knitting Machines

Global knitting machine production shrank slightly to 352K units in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. Overall, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 8.3%. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 382K units. From 2014 to 2022, global production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, knitting machine production fell slightly to $2.9B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $3.8B. From 2016 to 2022, global production growth remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

China (176K units) remains the largest knitting machine producing country worldwide, comprising approx. 50% of total volume. Moreover, knitting machine production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Japan (49K units), fourfold. Mexico (42K units) ranked third in terms of total production with a 12% share.

In China, knitting machine production remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Japan (-0.2% per year) and Mexico (+1.0% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Flat Knitting Machines, Stitch-Bonding Machines And Warp Knitting Machines

In 2022, approx. 199K units of flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines were imported worldwide; jumping by 29% on 2021 figures. Overall, imports saw a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 93% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, knitting machine imports expanded modestly to $761M in 2022. In general, imports, however, recorded a perceptible descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 24%. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure at $1.5B in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

Canada (64K units) and India (58K units) were the largest importers of flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines in 2022, reaching near 32% and 29% of total imports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Bangladesh (15K units), constituting a 7.7% share of total imports. Turkey (5.4K units), Brazil (5.3K units), Russia (5.2K units), Vietnam (4.6K units) and Italy (4.4K units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +34.0%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Turkey ($106M), Bangladesh ($97M) and India ($81M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 37% share of global imports. Italy, Vietnam, Brazil, Russia and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 23%.

Among the main importing countries, Canada, with a CAGR of +21.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average knitting machine import price amounted to $3,831 per unit, declining by -21% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 26% against the previous year. Global import price peaked at $13,356 per unit in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($19,663 per unit), while Canada ($100 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+6.6%), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Exports

World Exports of Flat Knitting Machines, Stitch-Bonding Machines And Warp Knitting Machines

In 2022, the amount of flat knitting machines, stitch-bonding machines and warp knitting machines exported worldwide rose modestly to 140K units, surging by 2.9% on 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, knitting machine exports soared to $753M in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The global exports peaked at $1.4B in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

China dominates exports structure, finishing at 112K units, which was approx. 80% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Germany (7.1K units), mixing up a 5.1% share of total exports. The following exporters - Japan (5.2K units), Taiwan (Chinese) (3.6K units) and the UK (3.2K units) - together made up 8.5% of total exports.

Exports from China increased at an average annual rate of +9.4% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Taiwan (Chinese) (+11.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Taiwan (Chinese) emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +11.3% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Japan (-6.1%), Germany (-10.8%) and the UK (-12.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+42 p.p.) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Japan, the UK and Germany saw its share reduced by -4.4%, -8.3% and -13.5% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, China ($365M) remains the largest knitting machine supplier worldwide, comprising 48% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($157M), with a 21% share of global exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 17% share.

In China, knitting machine exports increased at an average annual rate of +8.9% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Japan (-4.2% per year) and Germany (-13.6% per year).

Export Prices By Country

The average knitting machine export price stood at $5,358 per unit in 2022, growing by 21% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a deep slump. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $12,516 per unit in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($30,440 per unit), while the UK ($488 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+2.0%), while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform