Computerized Circular Knitting Machine Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Computerized Circular Knitting Machine Market size was estimated at USD 3.76 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 4.09 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 8.26% to reach USD 6.56 billion by 2032.

The computerized circular knitting machine sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological innovation and evolving market demands. As textile manufacturers prioritize operational efficiency, customization, and sustainability, these advanced machines have emerged as critical enablers for achieving competitive differentiation. The integration of smart sensors allows for real-time monitoring of production parameters, facilitating predictive maintenance and minimizing unplanned downtime. According to insights from Changhua Knitting Machine, energy-efficient knitting machines equipped with IoT capabilities can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional models, illustrating the tangible benefits of digitization in textile processes.

Within the past few years, the textile machinery landscape has shifted from standalone mechanical systems to integrated, data-driven platforms that underpin Industry 4.0 practices. Manufacturers are increasingly embedding artificial intelligence into circular knitting operations, enabling machines to self-correct stitch density, optimize yarn usage, and forecast maintenance needs. Data-driven analytics further enhance quality assurance by identifying production anomalies before they escalate into defects. These technological advancements have not only elevated production speed but have also facilitated the emergence of seamless knitting processes that produce garments in a single, waste-minimized piece. In parallel, the rise of eco-conscious consumer preferences is encouraging textile producers to adopt machines compatible with recycled yarns, supporting global sustainability initiatives. Market observations from Xingfa Knitting Machine highlight that seamless integration of IoT technologies has revolutionized remote monitoring and maintenance workflows, underscoring the role of connectivity in modern textile manufacturing.

The cumulative impact of United States tariff policies in 2025 has reshaped global supply chain strategies for textile machinery imports. Under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, general duty on computerized circular knitting machines remains free, yet products of Chinese origin incur an additional 7.5% levy in line with Section 301 punitive measures implemented in 2018, affecting HS codes 8447.11 and 8447.12 for cylinder diameters above and below 165 mm respectively. Although recent USTR reviews did not propose further increases on textile machinery, strategic sectors such as semiconductors, solar cells, and electric vehicles face steeper duties-some doubling to 50% or more in 2025-posing broader inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs and accelerating onshoring considerations for equipment procurement. Consequently, industry stakeholders are recalibrating supplier relationships, exploring alternative origins, and negotiating tariff exclusions where possible to maintain capital investment plans without eroding profitability.

The computerized circular knitting machine market is characterized by diverse segments defined across machine type, yarn compatibility, automation sophistication, gauge precision, application versatility, industry end users, operational throughput, and distribution channels. Within machine type, offerings range from Double Jersey and Rib configurations to specialized Jacquard, Nottingham, and Terry setups, each catering to unique fabric structures. Yarn type segmentation accommodates blends, natural fibers such as cotton and wool, and synthetic options including polyamide and polyester. Automation levels span from manual and semi-automatic models to fully automated lines capable of self-monitoring and adjustment. Gauge differentiation covers coarse, medium, and fine settings, influencing fabric weight and design intricacy. End use applications extend beyond apparel to home textiles and technical textiles, with geotextile, medical, and protective variants requiring specific machine adaptations. Industry adoption crosses fashion brands, textile mills, sportswear producers, and specialized manufacturers of industrial apparel, reflecting the machines’ versatility. Output speeds vary from low to high throughput, addressing both bespoke, small-batch orders and high-volume production needs. Finally, sales channels include direct equipment manufacturers, aftermarket providers, and original equipment manufacturers offering turnkey solutions.

Regional dynamics significantly influence the deployment and adoption pace of computerized circular knitting machinery. In the Americas, governments are increasingly incentivizing domestic manufacturing through tax credits and technical assistance programs, encouraging mill upgrades with digital-ready machines to support nearshoring trends. Conversely, Europe, Middle East & Africa continues to be driven by stringent sustainability mandates and consumer demand for traceable, eco-friendly textiles, prompting manufacturers to invest in energy-efficient, waste-minimizing equipment with full lifecycle analytics. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific remains the largest market both in terms of installed base and new machine orders, fueled by manufacturing hubs in China, India, and Southeast Asia where fast fashion and affordable sportswear production run at high volume. Regional priorities such as localized service networks and training programs further shape equipment specifications and after-sales support models within each geography.

Leading companies are intensifying investments in R&D to differentiate through digital capabilities and service ecosystems. Mayer & Cie introduced the Control 5.0 platform, an edge device integration that connects knitting equipment securely to cloud-based analytics to enable remote oversight and higher machine availability rates. Italian pioneer Santoni continues to advance seamless knitting technology, offering rapid-change modules that reduce material waste and shorten production cycles. German firm Terrot remains synonymous with precision engineering, advancing drive systems that improve energy efficiency by up to 30% under real-world conditions. Japanese innovator Fukuhara is expanding its product portfolio to integrate AI-driven pattern creativity engines, allowing designers to visualize complex motifs virtually before production. Collectively, these key players are shaping competitive benchmarks in performance, sustainability, and digital service offerings, elevating customer expectations for uptime and lifecycle management.

Industry leaders should prioritize strategic adoption of advanced digital infrastructures to realize operational excellence. Capital expenditures must target machines with integrated predictive maintenance capabilities to preempt unplanned stoppages and optimize maintenance intervals. Collaboration with technology vendors to pilot AI-driven quality control systems will facilitate real-time anomaly detection, reducing wastage and ensuring consistent fabric standards. Manufacturers should also engage with trade advisory bodies to explore tariff exclusion opportunities, particularly for capital equipment used in domestic production processes. Strengthening partnerships with regional service networks will be essential to guarantee rapid access to spare parts and skilled technicians. Finally, aligning machine procurement strategies with sustainability frameworks-evaluating energy consumption, recyclable material compatibility, and lifecycle emissions-will position organizations to meet regulatory and consumer expectations while unlocking potential cost savings.

The research methodology adopted a dual-phase approach integrating primary and secondary sources for holistic insights. Secondary research encompassed review of government tariff databases, trade publications, and technical white papers to map regulatory environments and technological advancements. Primary research involved structured interviews with OEM executives, equipment end users, and industry consultants to validate thematic drivers and identify real-world implementation challenges. Data triangulation techniques were employed to reconcile quantitative findings with qualitative perspectives, ensuring a balanced representation of market dynamics. Rigorous vetting of machine specifications, performance metrics, and service offerings across vendors supported segmentation analysis. All information collected during this research adhered to ethical standards, with proprietary data anonymized and cross-checked against multiple authoritative sources to guarantee reliability and accuracy.

This comprehensive analysis underscores the critical role of computerized circular knitting machines in redefining textile manufacturing through enhanced digital integration, sustainability alignment, and resilient supply chain strategies. As global markets navigate tariff complexities and evolving consumer demands, pinpointed segmentation and regional insights offer actionable clarity for equipment selection and deployment. Technological innovations-from IoT-enabled edge devices to AI-driven analytics-are setting new performance benchmarks, compelling organizations to recalibrate capital investments and service partnerships. By synthesizing industry-leading practices and trade policy considerations, stakeholders can chart informed pathways toward operational agility and competitive differentiation in a rapidly transforming textile landscape.

Take the next decisive step toward harnessing the future of textile manufacturing by securing comprehensive insights into the computerized circular knitting machine market. Reach out directly to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing, to obtain your detailed report package and unlock data-driven strategies tailored for your organization’s success. Empower your decision-making with expert analysis, actionable recommendations, and in-depth regional and segmentation perspectives designed to keep you ahead of competitive shifts in technology, tariffs, and market dynamics. Connect with Ketan today to transform industry knowledge into business advantage and drive innovation across your production processes.