Double Circular Knitting Machines Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Double Circular Knitting Machines Market size was estimated at USD 1.63 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 1.71 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.00% to reach USD 2.29 billion by 2032.

Circular knitting machines have evolved from mechanical marvels into digitally empowered workhorses that underpin modern textile manufacturing. Originally conceived to mass-produce uniform tubular fabrics, double circular knitting machines now integrate advanced controls and modular design to meet the exacting quality standards of diverse garment sectors. With capabilities ranging from high-speed yarn feeding to precision pattern modulation, these machines offer manufacturers the flexibility to produce everything from seamless athletic wear to technical textiles with unmatched consistency and throughput. Today’s investments reflect a strategic shift towards equipment that balances productivity with adaptability in an era defined by rapid fashion cycles and sustainability mandates (Mayer & Cie. reportedly produces around 2.5 meters of fabric per minute on a single machine, exemplifying industry-leading productivity).

Beyond sheer speed, modern double circular knitting platforms emphasize digital integration and life-cycle resilience. By embedding IoT connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities, manufacturers can track machine health, optimize maintenance schedules, and minimize unplanned downtime-all critical in facilities where even minutes of halted production can translate to substantial revenue losses. Enhanced sensor arrays detect yarn tension variances and stitch irregularities in real time, ensuring that quality control is not relegated to post-production inspection but is an intrinsic function of each knitting cycle. This shift from reactive to predictive operations marks a watershed in how textile producers manage efficiency and quality simultaneously.

As the textile industry contends with evolving consumer demands-ranging from hyper-customized fit to eco-friendly materials-double circular knitting machines serve as a connective tissue between design innovation and scalable output. Their ability to switch yarn types, alter gauge settings, and execute complex jacquard patterns on the fly empowers brands to introduce limited-edition and personalized collections without the penalties of lengthy changeover times. Consequently, these machines are not merely tools for mass manufacture but strategic assets in fast-fashion, athleisure, and sustainable apparel portfolios.

The landscape of double circular knitting has been fundamentally reshaped by the integration of automation and smart technologies, propelling an era of unprecedented precision and productivity. Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks now capture granular data on machine state and fabric output, enabling predictive maintenance that anticipates component wear before failures occur. Smart sensors monitor parameters such as stitch density, yarn tension, and temperature in real time, facilitating dynamic adjustments that uphold consistent quality while reducing material waste. According to industry research, smart‐sensor technologies in textile machinery can lower energy consumption by up to 20% compared to legacy systems, underscoring the transformative impact of digitalization in knitting operations.

Parallel to digitization, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics have established new benchmarks for process optimization. Predictive algorithms sift through historical performance metrics to identify inefficiencies and calibrate production schedules, driving yield improvements and shorter lead times. This confluence of AI and machine learning not only reduces unplanned downtime but also refines yarn utilization through pattern recognition and advanced control loops-especially critical when working with high-value specialty fibers. The result is a self-optimizing ecosystem where each knitting cycle informs subsequent adjustments, cultivating a continuously improving manufacturing environment.

Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal driver behind recent innovations, influencing both machine design and operational protocols. Energy‐efficient drive units coupled with heat recovery systems trim power costs, while closed-loop tension controls minimize yarn breakage and scrap. Moreover, eco-conscious manufacturers are leveraging seamless knitting techniques, which can cut fabric waste by consolidating garment production into a single, continuous step. Collectively, these advances are crafting a new paradigm: circular knitting plants that are faster, leaner, and far more agile in responding to the twin imperatives of cost efficiency and environmental stewardship.

In 2025, the United States’ Section 301 tariffs on Chinese‐origin machinery have introduced a complex ecosystem of duties, exclusions, and compliance requirements that directly influence the procurement strategies of double circular knitting machine buyers. Under the latest exclusion process, importers must file detailed requests by March 31, 2025, to seek relief from additional duties, with any granted exclusion valid only through May 31, 2025. The abbreviated timeframe and stringent subheading definitions have prompted at least 185 machinery exclusion requests to date, with a notable 49 still under USTR review as of December 19, 2024, illustrating the procedural backlog and uncertainty U.S. textile operations encounter when planning capital investments.

This tariff regime has precipitated a strategic recalibration among domestic manufacturers. Equipment suppliers and mill operators now weigh the real cost of imported machines-factoring in potential duty liabilities-against the availability of alternative sources in third countries or domestic manufacturing. For some buyers, the prospect of duties as high as 25% has driven exploration of exclusion filings, amplifier negotiations with global vendors, and even consideration of locally manufactured machinery to maintain fiscal predictability. Meanwhile, the administrative burden of exclusion submissions-coupled with uncertainty over approvals-means many firms must project machinery lead times well beyond normal procurement cycles, delaying capacity expansions and hindering rapid responses to market demand shifts.

Looking ahead, the temporary nature of the current tariff exclusions and regulatory ambiguity surrounding extensions into 2026 compel textile producers to diversify supplier relationships and explore phased adoption of advanced knitting systems. Some operations are accelerating retrofit programs for existing machinery, updating control units and IoT modules-instead of full equipment replacements-to circumvent tariff exposure. This strategic pivot underscores how trade policy can drive near‐term innovation pathways while reinforcing the necessity for agile procurement strategies in a tariff-sensitive environment.

The double circular knitting machine market exhibits nuanced demand patterns when evaluated through the lens of application, revealing distinct dynamics across Apparel, Automotive, Home Textile, and Industrial sectors. Within apparel, producers align machine configurations toward Children’s Wear, Men’s Wear, and Women’s Wear, tailoring gauge and drive selections to fabric performance and aesthetic requirements. In automotive interiors, carpet and seat cover manufacturers prioritize equipment robustness and dyeing compatibility to meet stringent durability and safety standards. Home textile producers-specializing in bed linen, towels, and upholstery-seek machines that can deliver high volume outputs with consistent loop formation, while industrial knitting leverages heavier yarn counts and specialized stitch types for filtration and insulation applications.

End user industry segmentation further clarifies investment timing and machine mix. Apparel brands are driving early adoption of electronic double circular platforms that support rapid pattern changes and smaller production runs, emphasizing speed to market and customization. Conversely, technical textile manufacturers-serving medical, sports, and industrial segments-favor interlock and Jacquard‐equipped machines capable of complex structures and functional finishes. Home textile players maintain a balanced portfolio, mixing high‐speed rib and terry machines to optimize yields for standard and premium product lines.

Fabric type segmentation underscores fiber and structure preferences, ranging from Interlock and Jacquard patterns that offer stability and design flexibility, to Purl and Rib configurations prized for stretch and recovery in performance apparel. Terry‐knit options remain indispensable in home textiles and technical segments requiring absorbency and insulation. Gauge selection-from 12‐ to 20‐gauge platforms-dictates the fineness of knit and underpins end‐product hand feel, drape, and mechanical properties. Finally, the choice between electronic and mechanical drive systems defines the balance between customizable control and cost efficiency, with many operations deploying a hybrid approach-mechanical underpinnings upgraded with electronic yarn control modules-to achieve both reliability and modern functionality.

Americas stands at the forefront of innovative adoption, where major textile hubs in the U.S. and Mexico are upgrading spinning and knitting facilities to meet reshoring and nearshoring trends. Fueled by government incentives that encourage domestic manufacturing resilience, North American producers are investing in advanced double circular machines with IoT integration to enhance supply chain transparency and accelerate time to market. Brazil, as a leading Latin American garment exporter, similarly leverages high-speed terry and Jacquard knitting equipment to serve both domestic consumption and export markets focused on athletic and leisure wear.

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), the nexus of fashion houses and technical fabric developers, customization and sustainability imperatives dictate machinery choices. Italian and German producers-home to firms like Santoni and Mayer & Cie.-combine legacy craftsmanship with digital technologies, showcasing seamless and multi-gauge solutions at trade shows such as ITMA. Sustainability regulations in the European Union further incentivize energy-efficient drive systems and closed-loop yarn feeding, positioning EMEA facilities as testbeds for next-generation circular knitting frameworks. In Middle Eastern markets, growing investments in smart textiles for healthcare and performance applications are driving targeted deployments of specialized double circular knitting platforms.

Asia-Pacific remains the largest regional consumer, with China, India, and Southeast Asia leading in capacity expansions and technological modernization. The 19th Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition highlighted the demand for WHOLEGARMENT® seamless knitting technology in Bangladesh’s burgeoning apparel sector, reflecting a regional appetite for equipment that minimizes labor inputs and enhances sustainability outcomes. Meanwhile, India’s technical textile initiatives-spanning automotive to medical applications-are driving demand for interlock and rib double circular machines, often complemented by local drive upgrades to balance advanced control with cost considerations.

The competitive arena for double circular knitting machinery is anchored by a handful of established manufacturers renowned for engineering excellence and relentless innovation. Mayer & Cie., with over 120 years of family-led heritage, has distinguished itself through IoT-ready control systems that transform legacy mechanical platforms into smart production assets-a strategic upgrade path that maximizes return on capital and extends machine life cycles. Santoni, the Italian pioneer behind modern seamlesswear technology, continues to expand its electronic circular range, demonstrated by its SM8-TOP2ST model which enables needle-by-needle terry selection-a breakthrough for sculptured terry garments in active and intimate apparel markets.

Shima Seiki, the Japanese innovator famed for WHOLEGARMENT® technology, leads in flat-knit solutions that integrate seamlessly with digital design systems and remote monitoring software. Its KnitManager platform exemplifies end-to-end visibility, empowering manufacturers to track production status and resource usage through a unified web interface-an approach that sets new benchmarks for operational analytics. Terrot Textilmaschinen, with deep roots in Germany’s textile heartland, focuses on heavy‐duty double circular machines optimized for technical and industrial applications, where robust construction and specialized stitch capabilities are paramount. Lonati, another Italian stalwart, maintains leadership in hosiery and fine gauge circular knitting, continually refining mechanics and electronics to support ultra‐fine gauge outputs for premium sock and intimate wear.

Collectively, these market leaders are advancing through collaborative ecosystems-partnering with software developers, fiber innovators, and sustainability consultancies-to deliver holistic knitting solutions. Their R&D roadmaps emphasize modular architectures, retrofit pathways, and digital service offerings, reflecting a strategic consensus: the future of circular knitting machinery lies at the intersection of mechanical reliability, digital connectivity, and environmental stewardship.

Industry leaders should prioritize a phased migration toward smart double circular platforms that integrate IoT connectivity and AI‐driven analytics. By implementing predictive maintenance modules, operations can reduce unplanned downtime by upwards of 20%, freeing resources to focus on value-added activities like pattern development and quality assurance. Starting with retrofit kits on existing mechanical machines can lower initial expenditures, allowing gradual enhancement of control systems and sensor arrays.

To navigate the evolving tariff landscape, stakeholders must actively engage in the Section 301 exclusion process, preparing precise technical descriptions for each machine purchased. Early submission of exclusion requests-ideally by the end of Q1 2025-will maximize the chance of securing relief ahead of the May 31, 2025 deadline. Concurrently, forging strategic partnerships with domestic equipment builders can mitigate duty exposure and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Finally, aligning machinery investments with corporate sustainability goals enhances brand differentiation and regulatory compliance. Deploying energy-efficient drives, closed-loop yarn systems, and seamless knitting techniques can contribute to a 15% reduction in material waste and significant power savings, underpinning both environmental commitments and cost containment. By integrating these pragmatic steps-digitalization, tariff strategy, and sustainability alignment-industry leaders can secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic market.

This analysis draws upon a multi-tiered research framework combining primary interviews with textile manufacturing executives, secondary data extraction from regulatory filings, and extensive literature reviews of industry-specific publications. Primary insights were acquired through semi-structured discussions with mill managers and equipment OEM representatives, focusing on real-world implementation challenges and innovation roadmaps. Secondary research incorporated federal register notices related to Section 301 tariffs, trade association reports, and machinery exclusion process documentation to layer a policy context onto market dynamics.

Quantitative elements of the study leverage import/export trade data, machine sales registries, and corporate press releases to triangulate trends in capacity expansions and technology adoption rates. Qualitative assessments were informed by case studies detailing retrofit success stories, innovation partnerships between OEMs and software providers, and sustainability pilot programs in leading textile clusters. Rigorous validation protocols-cross‐referencing interview themes with published specifications and third‐party analytics-ensure the credibility and reproducibility of our conclusions.

Our methodology also employs scenario modeling to evaluate the potential impact of tariff changes on capital expenditure schedules, integrating sensitivity analyses around exclusion approval rates and lead-time variability. This comprehensive approach provides stakeholders with both strategic foresight and operational guidance, framing the evolution of double circular knitting machines within a robust, data-driven framework.

The trajectory of double circular knitting machines is firmly oriented toward digital integration, sustainability, and agile manufacturing models. Key findings underscore a pervasive shift from reactive maintenance to predictive asset management enabled by IoT and AI, which promises significant reductions in downtime and waste. Simultaneously, tariff pressures in the United States have catalyzed innovative procurement strategies, from retrofit programs to expanded domestic partnerships, illustrating the industry’s adaptability in the face of policy shifts.

Segmentation analysis reveals that while apparel and technical textiles drive early adoption of high-end electronic platforms, home textile and industrial applications maintain robust demand for specialized gauge and stitch configurations. Regionally, Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific each present unique investment priorities-reshoring trends, sustainability mandates, and capacity buildouts respectively-highlighting the importance of tailored go-to-market approaches for OEMs and manufacturers alike.

Looking forward, the convergence of advanced machine controls, eco-centric design, and strategic supply chain diversification will determine competitive positioning in the global knitting equipment arena. As manufacturers and brands seek to align production agility with environmental goals, the role of double circular knitting machines will expand beyond mere fabric generation to become central enablers of tomorrow’s textile innovation landscape.

For an in-depth, bespoke exploration of the double circular knitting machine market-tailored to your strategic priorities and operational challenges-contact Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing. Ketan combines deep industry knowledge with consultative insight to guide you through the nuances of market drivers, competitive positioning, and emerging opportunities. Engage with Ketan to discuss how our comprehensive report can inform your investment decisions, identify untapped growth segments, and equip your team with actionable intelligence. Reach out today to secure your copy of the definitive market research report and gain the competitive edge you need to thrive in the dynamic world of textile machinery.