Global Knitted Fabric Market Outlook to 2030

Global Knitted Fabric Market Overview

• The global knitted fabric market is valued at USD 28 billion based on a five-year historical analysis. The market is driven by the increasing demand for knitted fabrics in diverse applications such as apparel, home textiles, industrial textiles, and technical textiles. The introduction of advanced knitting technologies and the growing preference for sustainable and comfortable clothing options further fuel the growth of this market. Major global brands are incorporating knitted fabrics in their product lines, thereby enhancing the markets prominence.
• Countries like China, India, and Bangladesh dominate the knitted fabric market due to their well-established textile manufacturing industries, availability of raw materials, and cost-effective labor. China, in particular, benefits from government support and large-scale investments in textile technology. These countries also have strong supply chain networks, which contribute to their dominance in the global market. Additionally, the growing trend of "Made in China" and "Made in India" textiles is reinforcing the position of these countries.
• Government regulations related to textile standards and certifications have a major impact on the knitted fabric market. In 2023, more than 60% of the textile products in the European Union had to comply with stringent standards like OEKO-TEX and GOTS, ensuring that fabrics are free from harmful substances and meet specific environmental criteria. These certifications help manufacturers meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced fabrics, especially in developed markets such as Europe and North America.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Segmentation

• By Application: The market is segmented by application into apparel, home textiles, industrial textiles, medical textiles, and sportswear. Apparel dominates the application segment due to the increasing demand for comfortable and stretchable fabrics. The fashion industry's evolving needs, along with the rise in demand for activewear and athleisure, drive the growth of this sub-segment. Sportswear and medical textiles are also gaining traction due to their specialized applications in high-performance and technical environments.
• By Fabric Type: The global knitted fabric market is segmented by fabric type into circular knitted fabric, warp knitted fabric, flat knitted fabric, and others (such as Jacquard and Raschel fabrics). Circular knitted fabric holds the largest market share due to its widespread application in the apparel and fashion industries. The versatility of circular knitted fabrics in creating seamless garments and its high production efficiency makes it the dominant segment in terms of fabric type.

• By Region: The global knitted fabric market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific dominates the regional segment, primarily due to China and India's large-scale production capacities and advanced textile manufacturing processes. The region benefits from lower production costs and strong export-oriented industries, which contribute to its leading market share. Additionally, the growing domestic demand for high-quality textiles in these countries reinforces their dominance in the global market.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Competitive Landscape

The global knitted fabric market is dominated by several major players, both from established markets like China and emerging ones such as India and Bangladesh. These companies operate with large-scale production capabilities, strong supply chain networks, and innovation-driven manufacturing practices.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Analysis

Global Knitted Fabric Market Growth Drivers

• Demand from Apparel Industry: The apparel industry continues to drive the demand for knitted fabrics due to increasing consumer spending on clothing worldwide. The demand for comfortable and flexible garments, particularly activewear and casualwear, has escalated due to changing lifestyle trends. For example, the U.S. consumer expenditure on apparel amounted to $230 billion in 2023, indicating a consistent rise in demand for high-quality knitted fabrics in the textile sector.
• Rising Preference for Comfort in Textiles: Consumer preferences are shifting towards more comfortable and versatile fabrics, with knitted textiles offering breathability, stretch, and softness. A survey by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation in 2023 revealed that 65% of respondents preferred knitted fabrics for casual and sportswear due to their superior comfort. Furthermore, the demand for these fabrics has spurred growth in emerging markets, especially in China and India, where apparel manufacturers are investing heavily in knitting technologies to meet the growing consumer demand for comfort-based clothing.
• Sustainability Initiatives and Recyclable Fabrics: The global shift towards sustainability is encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly materials in knitted fabric production. Initiatives like the European Union's Green Deal, aimed at reducing textile waste, are pushing manufacturers to focus on recyclable and biodegradable fabrics. In 2023, nearly 20% of textiles produced in the EU contained recycled materials, showing an increase from 15% in 2022. These developments align with global environmental policies, making knitted fabrics a key player in the circular economy.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Challenges

Volatile Raw Material Prices: The knitted fabric market faces challenges due to fluctuating raw material prices, particularly cotton and synthetic fibers. According to the World Bank, cotton prices fluctuated between $1.25 and $1.35 per kilogram in 2023, largely driven by supply chain disruptions in major cotton-producing countries like India and the U.S. The unpredictability in raw material prices impacts manufacturers' profit margins, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who rely heavily on consistent supply and stable prices to maintain production efficiency.

High Production Costs: The cost of production in the knitted fabric industry remains high, primarily due to the rising energy costs and wages in textile-manufacturing hubs like China and Bangladesh. In 2023, labor costs in China rose by 8%, while energy costs for textile factories increased by 10% in Bangladesh, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). These increased operational costs reduce profitability for manufacturers, especially for those that do not have access to advanced automation technologies.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the global knitted fabric market is expected to witness growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and comfortable fabrics, advancements in knitting technology, and the rising popularity of technical textiles. Key industry players are expected to focus on innovation, eco-friendly production processes, and expanding their footprint in emerging markets to capitalize on the growing demand for knitted fabrics across various applications.

Global Knitted Fabric Market Opportunities

• Growth in E-commerce and Fast Fashion: The rise of e-commerce platforms has boosted the demand for knitted fabrics, particularly in fast fashion, where quick turnaround times are crucial. Global online apparel sales reached $700 billion in 2023, driven by increased internet penetration and mobile shopping. This shift has encouraged manufacturers to focus on fast production techniques using knitted fabrics to meet the dynamic demands of the fashion industry. The growing e-commerce industry in emerging economies, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America, presents a lucrative opportunity for knitted fabric producers.
• Expansion into Emerging Markets: Emerging markets, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, are becoming key players in the global textile industry due to favorable government policies and lower production costs. In 2023, Vietnams textile exports grew by 9%, reaching $40 billion, with knitted fabrics accounting for a substantial portion of this growth. These markets offer competitive labor costs and are attracting foreign investment from textile giants in Europe and the U.S. Expanding production into these regions allows knitted fabric manufacturers to reduce costs while meeting global demand.