Circular Weft Knitting Machine Market Report 2026

The circular weft knitting machine market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.14 billion in 2025 to $1.23 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of textile and apparel manufacturing, rising demand for knitted fabrics, increasing industrial automation in textile mills, availability of advanced knitting technologies, growth of export-oriented garment production.

The circular weft knitting machine market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.69 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of smart textile manufacturing, rising demand for technical and medical textiles, expansion of sustainable fabric production, growing investments in high-capacity machines, increasing use of digital design integration. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of computerized knitting controls, increasing demand for high-speed fabric production, expansion of multi-function knitting capabilities, rising use of energy-efficient knitting machines, growing focus on fabric customization.

The increasing textile production is anticipated to drive the growth of the circular weft knitting machine market in the coming years. A textile refers to any material created by interlacing fibers through processes such as weaving, knitting, or felting, primarily used in clothing, furnishings, and industrial applications. The rise in textile production is fueled by growing global demand for affordable and fast fashion, as consumers seek trendy, low-cost apparel that requires rapid, high-volume manufacturing to keep up with constantly changing styles. This growth in textile output increases the need for circular weft knitting machines, which deliver fast, continuous fabric production suited for cost-efficient, large-scale knitwear manufacturing. For instance, in September 2024, according to a report published by the Textile Exchange, a US-based non-profit organization, production of virgin fossil-based synthetic fibers rose from 67 million tons in 2022 to 75 million tons in 2023, with polyester maintaining dominance at 57% of total global fiber output. Therefore, the rise in textile production will support the expansion of the circular weft knitting machine market.

Major companies in the circular weft knitting machine market are focusing on developing advanced solutions such as IoT-enabled control systems to improve efficiency and support data-driven operations. These IoT-enabled systems provide internet connectivity and cloud integration for knitting machines, enabling real-time monitoring, remote assistance, and more efficient spare-parts management. For instance, in May 2025, Mayer & Cie., a Germany-based manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines, introduced Control 5.0, making its circular knitting machines IoT-ready. This system securely connects machines to the company’s cloud platform, Knitlink, and is offered as an upgrade kit for existing machines, while all new mechanical models include it as standard. It provides two interface options: SmartControl, featuring up to four “SmartKnobs” on the machine legs and mobile device integration for role-based access, and ClassicControl, which centralizes controls on a single touchscreen. The Knitlink platform includes apps for real-time operating data (my.monitoring), remote service support (my.service), and spare-parts lookup, with updates delivered over the air (OTA) to eliminate manual USB updates.

In September 2023, Santoni Shanghai Knitting Machinery Co. Ltd., a China-based knitting machinery manufacturer, acquired Terrot for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to transform and reinforce Santoni Shanghai’s leadership in the circular knitting industry by utilizing Terrot’s advanced technical knowledge, broad product range, and extensive global customer base. Terrot is a Germany-based producer of circular weft knitting machines.

Major companies operating in the circular weft knitting machine market are Fujian Hanma Group Co. Ltd, Unitex Co. Ltd., Shima Seiki Mfg Ltd, Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co. Ltd, Santoni S.p.A., Suntech Textile Machinery Co Ltd., Keumyoung Co. Ltd., Jinjiang Hongji Machinery Co Ltd, Quanzhou Baiyuan Machinery Science & Technology Co Ltd, Sintex cz, Mayer & Cie GmbH & Co. KG, Terrot GmbH, Fukuhama, Wellknit, Welltex Co Ltd., Santec Precision Machinery Co Ltd, Trützschler Group SE, SANTEX Rimar Group, Lisky technology ltd, Fujian Taifan Industrial Co Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the circular weft knitting machine market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the circular weft knitting machine market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the circular weft knitting machine market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The circular weft knitting machine market consist of sales of rib knitting machines, interlock knitting machines and striper knitting machines. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.