The 45th annual report of the ITMF (International Textile Manufacturers Federation) paints a revealing picture of the year 2022. Within this dynamic industry, a notable trend emerged as deliveries of large circular knitting machines experienced a substantial decline of 27%. Simultaneously, flat knitting machines faced a similar fate, with deliveries plummeting by 24%. This decline also extended its reach to other critical segments of textile machinery, including weaving, finishing, and stretch-texturing equipment.
However, amidst these shifts and challenges, one category of machinery stood resilient in the face of adversity: spinning equipment. While other sectors faced turbulent times, spinning machinery remained unwaveringly steady. In the intricate tapestry of textile manufacturing, this steadfastness in the spinning domain provides a glimmer of stability, offering a potential anchor for an industry navigating a sea of change.
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.
