Flat knitting machine market to hit $2.94 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the flat knitting machine market will grow from $2.14 billion in 2025 to $2.94 billion by 2030 as automation, smart textiles and on-demand production reshape textile manufacturing. Asia-Pacific was the largest regional market in 2025 and is expected to grow the fastest through 2030.

Why it matters: - Flat knitting machines are becoming more important as apparel makers push for faster, more precise and more customizable garment production. - The market’s growth points to wider adoption of automation, digital design and energy-efficient textile machinery across factories. - Expansion in technical textiles could also lift demand in automotive and healthcare supply chains.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a flat knitting machine market report dated June 24, 2026. - The report values the market at $2.14 billion in 2025 and projects $2.28 billion in 2026. - The market is forecast to reach $2.94 billion by 2030. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The report also highlights updated market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrices, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, hotspot infographics, key technology analysis and updated graphics and tables. - Download a free sample of the report. - View the full market report.

The details: - The report says the market grew on the back of mass textile and apparel production, demand for knitted garments, industrial textile hubs, labor-intensive knitting activity and mechanical knitting machine improvements. - The market is expected to grow at a 6.6% CAGR from 2026 to 2030. - The report links future growth to fully automated knitting technologies, smart textiles, digital design, personalized fashion, on-demand manufacturing and AI-driven pattern optimization. - Computerized flat knitting machines are gaining use for precise garment creation. - Automated textile manufacturing systems are expanding. - Custom knitwear is becoming a bigger focus. - Technical textile applications are broadening. - Textile plants are pushing for more energy-efficient machinery. - A flat knitting machine uses needles arranged on a flat surface to create flat knitted fabrics by interlocking yarns in controlled patterns. - The machines are designed to support versatile stitch and pattern formation for detailed textile production. - The apparel and fashion industry remains a major demand driver because it supports design, manufacturing, distribution and retail of clothing, footwear and other fashion products. - FASH455 data cited in the report showed US apparel import quantities rose 12.9% year over year in February 2024, while values rose 2.9%. - The report says automation and Industry 4.0 adoption are helping flat knitting machines fit into smart manufacturing systems through computer-controlled and digitally programmable operations. - Rockwell Automation reported in March 2024 that 95% of manufacturers were using or evaluating smart manufacturing technologies, up from 84% the prior year. - Asia-Pacific was the largest regional market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is also expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period.

Between the lines: - The report frames flat knitting machines as a bridge between traditional textile production and software-driven manufacturing. - The strongest growth themes are not just volume, but speed, customization and machine-level efficiency. - The regional outlook suggests manufacturing capacity and textile demand in Asia-Pacific will continue to anchor global growth.

What's next: - The report expects automation, smart textiles and AI-enabled production tools to remain the main growth engines through 2030. - Textile makers are likely to keep investing in computerized systems that reduce labor needs and improve output consistency. - Technical textile adoption may expand the market beyond apparel into higher-value industrial uses. - The report invites readers to contact The Business Research Company for expert guidance and more information.

The bottom line: - Flat knitting machine demand is set to keep rising as textile producers automate faster, customize more and expand into technical applications.