Global shipments of textile machinery showed a mixed performance in 2024, according to the 47th annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics (ITMSS) released by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). The report, compiled in collaboration with over 200 manufacturers, offers detailed insights across six categories of textile machinery: spinning, draw-texturing, weaving, large diameter circular knitting, flat knitting, and finishing.

Spinning machinery witnessed sharp declines, with short-staple spindle shipments falling by 40% to 5.92 million units, and open-end rotor deliveries dropping 39% to 623,000 units. Asia and Oceania accounted for the majority of these deliveries, though notable declines were recorded across most regions. However, long-staple (wool) spindle shipments rose by 62%, largely driven by demand in Iran, China and Vietnam.

Texturing machinery recorded strong gains. Shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles increased by 95% to 84,000 units, while double heater variants surged by 80% to 960,000 units. These gains were heavily concentrated in Asia, particularly China.

Weaving machinery also grew, with shuttle-less loom shipments rising by 32% to 226,000 units. Within this category, water-jet loom deliveries saw the steepest growth at 56%. Once again, the vast majority of shipments (97%) were destined for Asia, with China being the leading market.

The circular knitting segment declined, with large diameter circular knitting machines dropping 15% to 28,000 units. China, despite remaining the top destination, saw deliveries fall by 42%. In contrast, the flat knitting segment experienced a 16% increase, reaching 135,000 machines, with 96% of these units shipped to Asia and China taking the lion’s share at 82%.

In finishing machinery, the overall number of units shipped increased slightly by 6%. Continuous fabric machinery saw a 22% increase in stenter deliveries, although other machine types posted mixed results. In discontinuous fabric finishing, jigger/beam dyeing shipments fell by 44%, while air jet and overflow dyeing machines rose by 18% and 5%, respectively.

These shifts underscore the evolving dynamics of global textile machinery markets, with strong regional demand in Asia continuing to shape the landscape, especially in texturing and flat knitting technologies.

www.itmf.org