a slowing market except for spinning

The 45th annual report of the ITMF (International Textile Manufacturers Federation) shows that 2022 was marked by a decline in deliveries of large circular (-27%) and flat (-24%) knitting machines, as well as weaving, finishing and stretch-texturing machinery. Spinning equipment on the other hand is steady.

This report, entitled “International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics” (ITMSS), was produced in cooperation with 200 textile machinery manufacturers. The survey tracks developments in the industry since it was first published in 1974.

This edition, dedicated to 2022, shows an increase in deliveries of machines for short staples (+27%), open rotors (+85%) and above all spindles for long staples (+195%), with machines delivered mainly in Asia, but also in Europe and North America.

On the texturing side, the document notes that deliveries of stretch-texturing spindles decreased by 13% in 2022. Asia-Pacific is expected to account for 95% of deliveries in this area, with China alone accounting for 84%.

In the weaving sector, deliveries of shuttleless looms fell by 23% over the year, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 77% of tools delivered. In detail, air-jet machines fell by 13%, compared with 38.4% for water-jet machines. The market for electronic flat knitting machines fell by 24%.

Finishing machines saw a 35% fall in deliveries of stenter machines. Although less detailed in this area, the report nevertheless estimates that the fall has affected all machines, from beam and air-jet dyeing equipment to bleaching tools. 

The full report is available on the ITMF portal.