China leads textile machinery market

Global shipments of textile machinery increased in 2023, according to the International Textile Manufacturers Association (ITMF). The industry witnessed a significant uptick in various segments, particularly spinning and knitting equipment.

China solidified its position as the dominant player, accounting for a substantial portion of new investments worldwide. The country's robust demand drove a 155,000 unit increase in short-staple spindle shipments, while long-staple wool spindle deliveries also climbed by 5 per cent.

The knitting sector mirrored this growth trend. Shipments of large circular knitting machines jumped 17 per cent, with China alone purchasing nearly 18,500 units. Electronic flat knitting machines saw an even more impressive surge of 61 per cent.

Weaving machinery also contributed to the overall upward trajectory. Shuttle-less looms witnessed a 52 per cent increase in shipments, primarily driven by a strong demand for air-jet and water-jet models.

However, the industry wasn't without its challenges. Open-end rotor orders declined by 17 per cent compared to the previous year, and draw-texturing spindle deliveries fell by 28 per cent.

While Asia remained the primary market for textile machinery, regional disparities were evident. Europe and North America experienced decreased shipments, while Africa and South America witnessed substantial growth.

Overall, the ITMF's data underscores the textile machinery industry's resilience and China's pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. As the industry continues to evolve, the coming months will reveal whether this upward trend persists or if new challenges emerge.