The Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market size was estimated at USD 420 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 780 million by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.20% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market

Market Summary

The single jersey circular knitting machines market represents a critical segment within the global textile machinery and equipment industry, focused on the production of knitted fabrics utilized across a diverse range of apparel and technical textile applications. These machines are engineered to efficiently produce tubular fabrics without a seam, making them indispensable for manufacturing items such as T-shirts, underwear, sportswear, and various other garments. The market is characterized by continuous technological evolution, with manufacturers consistently integrating automation, digital controls, and energy-efficient systems to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve fabric quality. Demand is primarily driven by the robust growth of the global apparel industry, rising consumer preference for comfortable and versatile knitted clothing, and increasing investments in textile manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies. Key industry participants include globally recognized machinery producers who compete on the basis of technological innovation, reliability, after-sales service, and the ability to offer customized solutions. The market's trajectory is also influenced by broader trends such as sustainability, the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles, and the shifting dynamics of global textile trade and production hubs.

Key Highlights

The single jersey circular knitting machines market is distinguished by several pivotal developments that underscore its current state and future direction. A paramount highlight is the accelerated integration of digitalization and IoT capabilities into machine design, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization of the knitting process, which significantly boosts operational efficiency for manufacturers. Another critical trend is the industry's pronounced shift towards sustainability, with leading machine producers developing models that minimize energy and water consumption, reduce waste, and allow for the use of recycled yarns, aligning with the global push for greener manufacturing practices. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on versatility and flexibility; modern machines are increasingly capable of quick changeovers between different fabric designs and yarn types, allowing manufacturers to respond swiftly to fast-changing fashion trends and smaller batch production demands. The competitive landscape is intensely innovation-driven, with companies like Pai Lung, Terrot, and Santoni introducing advanced features such as electronic needle selection and seamless integration with other textile production systems. Geographically, Asia-Pacific continues to solidify its position as the dominant production and consumption hub, fueled by strong domestic demand and export-oriented textile industries in countries like China, India, and Bangladesh.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the single jersey circular knitting machines market is propelled by a confluence of powerful drivers, promising opportunities, and notable restraints. A primary driver is the incessant global demand for knitted apparel, underpinned by population growth, rising disposable incomes, and the enduring popularity of casual and athletic wear, which necessitates continuous investment in efficient production machinery. The rapid pace of fast fashion, which requires shortened production cycles and high flexibility, further compels garment manufacturers to upgrade to newer, more agile knitting machines. Significant opportunities are emerging from the technological frontier, particularly in the development of smart textiles and functional fabrics with embedded properties like moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, or antimicrobial features, opening new application areas beyond traditional apparel. The expansion of the technical textiles sector, for applications in automotive, medical, and geotextiles, also presents a substantial growth avenue for advanced knitting machine providers. However, the market faces considerable restraints, including the high capital investment required for state-of-the-art machinery, which can be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the market is susceptible to fluctuations in the prices of raw materials like yarn and the volatility of global trade policies, which can impact manufacturing costs and investment decisions. The need for skilled operators to manage increasingly complex computerized machinery also poses a challenge to widespread adoption in some regions.

Concentration Insights

The global landscape of the single jersey circular knitting machines market exhibits a notable concentration of both supply and demand. On the supply side, the market is fairly consolidated, with a cluster of established, technologically advanced manufacturers holding significant market share. These leading companies, including Orizio, Mayer & Cie., Fukuhara, and Taifan, are predominantly headquartered in Europe and East Asia and compete fiercely through intensive research and development, strong global distribution networks, and comprehensive technical support services. Their dominance is built on decades of engineering expertise and brand reputation for reliability. Geographically, demand is highly concentrated within the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for the lion's share of global consumption and production of knitted fabrics. This concentration is attributed to the region's well-developed textile manufacturing ecosystem, cost-competitive labor, and strong export-oriented garment industries in nations such as China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Other significant demand centers include Latin America and the Middle East, where local textile industries are growing. This concentration creates a dynamic where global machinery suppliers must maintain a strong presence and tailor their strategies to the specific needs of the Asian market, while also exploring growth potential in other emerging regions.

Type Insights

Single jersey circular knitting machines are categorized primarily based on their diameter, the number of feeders, and their technological sophistication, which directly correlates with their production capabilities and application suitability. A fundamental classification is by machine diameter, typically ranging from small diameters used for producing narrow tubular fabrics for applications like cuffs and collars, to large diameters exceeding 30 inches used for manufacturing the body of garments. The number of feeders is another critical differentiator; machines with a higher number of feeders can produce fabric at significantly faster speeds, thereby enhancing productivity. From a technological standpoint, the market is segmented into mechanical and electronic machines. Mechanical machines, while more affordable and robust, offer less flexibility in pattern design. Electronic single jersey machines, equipped with advanced servo motors and computerized pattern systems, represent the high-end segment. They provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing for quick design changes, intricate jacquard patterns, and superior control over stitch quality. The industry trend is decisively leaning towards the adoption of electronic machines due to the demand for customization, reduced downtime, and higher efficiency, even though they command a higher initial investment.

Application Insights

The application spectrum for fabrics produced on single jersey circular knitting machines is vast and integral to numerous end-use industries. The apparel sector remains the dominant application, consuming the majority of output for the production of everyday essentials. This includes a wide array of products such as T-shirts, polo shirts, underwear, leggings, and nightwear, valued for their comfort, stretch, and breathability. Beyond basic apparel, the sportswear and activewear segment has become a major growth driver, utilizing advanced knitted fabrics that offer performance enhancements like moisture management, compression, and durability. Another significant and expanding application area is in the realm of technical textiles. Here, single jersey fabrics are engineered for specific functional properties and used in automotive interiors for seat covers and headliners, in medical textiles for certain types of bandages and supports, and in home furnishings for products like mattress tickings and furniture upholstery. The versatility of the knitting process allows manufacturers to tailor the weight, texture, and performance characteristics of the fabric to meet the precise requirements of these diverse applications, making these machines highly valuable across multiple industries.

Regional Insights

The demand and adoption of single jersey circular knitting machines are not uniform across the globe, with clear regional disparities shaped by economic factors, industrial policy, and existing textile infrastructure. The Asia-Pacific region stands as the undisputed epicenter of the market, both in terms of production and consumption of these machines. This dominance is anchored by China, the world's largest textile producer, alongside other major manufacturing powerhouses like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. These countries benefit from large-scale integrated textile parks, competitive operating costs, and strong export economies, driving consistent demand for new and advanced machinery. Europe represents another key region, characterized by a demand for high-tech, premium machines from manufacturers focused on quality, sustainability, and producing sophisticated technical textiles. The presence of leading machinery manufacturers in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland also influences the regional market. North America maintains a stable, technology-driven market, with a focus on automation and reshoring initiatives. Meanwhile, regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging as growth pockets, with increasing investments in local textile manufacturing capabilities to reduce import dependency and cater to growing domestic demand, presenting new opportunities for machinery suppliers.

Company Insights

The competitive arena of the single jersey circular knitting machines market is populated by a mix of globally renowned manufacturers, each with distinct strengths and strategic focuses. Prominent players include companies like Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd., known for its extensive range of high-speed and precision circular knitting machines. Terrot GmbH, a German manufacturer, is recognized for its engineering excellence and innovative solutions in both standard and specialized knitting machines. Santoni S.p.A., part of the Lonati Group, is a leader in electronic circular knitting technology, particularly for seamless and intimate apparel applications. Fukuhara Industrial & Trading Co., Ltd. of Japan has a strong reputation for reliability and advanced automation features in its machines. Other significant contributors to the market include Orizio J.S.p.A., Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG, and Taifan Machinery Co., Ltd. Competition among these entities is intense and revolves around continuous innovation in machine speed, efficiency, user-friendliness, and connectivity. Key strategies involve heavy investment in R&D to launch next-generation machines, expanding global sales and service networks to provide localized support, and forming strategic partnerships with yarn producers and garment manufacturers to offer integrated solutions. The ability to provide customized machines for niche applications is also a critical differentiator in this market.

Recent Developments

The single jersey circular knitting machines market has been a hive of activity, with recent developments primarily centered on technological innovation and strategic corporate movements. A dominant trend is the launch of new machine models equipped with enhanced IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities. Manufacturers are introducing systems that feature improved sensors for real-time quality control, cloud-based data analytics platforms for optimizing production efficiency, and remote diagnostics capabilities that minimize machine downtime. There is also a continued push towards greater sustainability, with new machine designs focusing on significant reductions in energy consumption through efficient drive systems and on minimizing lubricant and coolant usage. In terms of corporate strategy, several leading players have announced expansions of their manufacturing facilities and strengthening of their distribution channels in high-growth regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Furthermore, the market has witnessed collaborations between knitting machine manufacturers and software companies to develop more intuitive and powerful design and production planning tools, creating a more seamless digital workflow from concept to finished fabric. These developments collectively point towards a market that is rapidly modernizing to meet the demands of a digitalized and environmentally conscious global textile industry.

Report Segmentation

The analysis of the single jersey circular knitting machines market is systematically segmented to provide a granular and comprehensive understanding of its various facets. The segmentation is typically structured along several key axes to cater to the specific informational needs of different stakeholders. A primary segmentation is by machine type, distinguishing between mechanical and electronic machines, with further sub-categorization based on features like diameter and number of feeders. Another crucial segmentation is by application, which details the consumption of these machines across key end-use sectors such as apparel, sportswear, home textiles, and technical textiles. Geographically, the market is segmented into key regions and major countries within those regions to analyze regional production, demand patterns, and growth potential. This includes deep dives into areas like Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. An additional layer of segmentation often involves analyzing the market by sales channel, such as direct sales versus distributor networks. This multi-dimensional segmentation allows for a detailed assessment of market size, growth trends, competitive dynamics, and opportunity analysis for each distinct segment, providing invaluable insights for manufacturers, investors, and end-users in the textile value chain.

FAQs

What are the key features of modern single jersey circular knitting machines?

Modern single jersey circular knitting machines are characterized by high levels of automation, electronic control systems, and integration with digital platforms. Key features often include servo motor drives for precise speed control, electronic needle selection for creating complex patterns and designs, IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of production parameters like stitch density and fabric defects, and user-friendly touch-screen interfaces for operational control. They are also designed with a focus on energy efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, and the ability to handle a wide variety of yarn types, including elastane and recycled fibers.

Which companies are the leading manufacturers of these machines?

The market is led by several established international companies renowned for their technological expertise and product quality. Prominent manufacturers include Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd. from Taiwan, Terrot GmbH from Germany, Santoni S.p.A. from Italy, Fukuhara Industrial & Trading Co., Ltd. from Japan, and Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG from Germany. Other significant players include Orizio J.S.p.A. and Taifan Machinery Co., Ltd. These companies compete globally through continuous innovation and strong customer support networks.

What are the main applications of fabrics made on these machines?

Fabrics produced on single jersey circular knitting machines have a wide range of applications. The primary application is in the apparel industry for manufacturing T-shirts, polo shirts, underwear, leggings, and sleepwear. They are also extensively used in the sportswear and activewear sector for garments requiring stretch and comfort. Beyond clothing, these fabrics find applications in home textiles like bed linens and upholstery, and increasingly in the technical textiles sector for uses in automotive interiors, medical fabrics, and geotextiles.

What factors should be considered when selecting a single jersey knitting machine?

Selecting the appropriate machine requires careful consideration of several factors. The intended application and the type of fabric to be produced (e.g., basic jersey, pique, interlock) dictate the required machine features like diameter and feeder count. Production volume targets influence the choice between mechanical and electronic models, with electronic machines offering higher speeds and flexibility for larger, varied batches. Other critical factors include the total cost of ownership (initial investment, energy consumption, maintenance), the availability and quality of local technical service and spare parts, and the machine's compatibility with existing factory systems and the types of yarns to be used.

How is technological innovation impacting this market?

Technological innovation is profoundly transforming the single jersey circular knitting machines market. The integration of Industry 4.0 principles is a major trend, leading to smart machines equipped with IoT connectivity for real-data collection, predictive maintenance, and production optimization through cloud-based analytics. There is also a strong focus on enhancing sustainability by developing machines that consume less power and water. Furthermore, advancements in automation are reducing labor dependency and improving consistency, while new software solutions are simplifying pattern design and production planning, making operations more efficient and responsive to market demands.

Which regions show the highest demand for these machines?

The highest demand for single jersey circular knitting machines is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, which is the global hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are the largest markets, driven by their massive export-oriented garment industries and growing domestic consumption. Europe also represents significant demand, particularly for high-end, technologically advanced machines from countries with strong textile heritages like Italy, Germany, and Turkey. Other regions with growing demand include parts of Latin America and the Middle East, where local textile industries are expanding.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market
• Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machines Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

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