In the January-August period of 2017, 651 circular knitting machines worth US$ 35.9 million were imported to Turkey. According to TUIK statistics, in the same period of 2018, 1,432 circular knitting machines with a total value of US$ 64.5 million were imported. A large increase compared to last year amounted to 781 units (120%) and US$ 28.6 million (80%) respectively.

Turkish knitters have been accelerating their machinery investments in the first eight months of 2018. So, what are the reasons that led the Turkish knitters to buy machines?

According to the analysis of companies supplying machinery to the sector, the increase in exchange rates created a competitive advantage for exports. This was reflected positively on sales.

In addition, many companies in the industry continue to be interested in jacquard and high-speed machines. All 429 machines imported from Germany are by Terrot and Mayer & Cie., brands that are in heavy demand in Turkey’s market.

Imported from the Far East are mainly single jersey and 3-end fleece machines producing jerseys from China. Due to market prices in Turkey, there has been increasing interest in the machines from this region, demonstrated by the arrival of 515 machines from China.

There is also a difference in demand for different knitting machines between the two types of markets in Turkey – Istanbul market and Anatolian market.

In the Istanbul market, companies that produce more types of fancy, value-added knitted fabrics show interest in double plates and jacquard machines. In the Anatolian market, however, there are investments in machines, such as jersey, interlock and 3-end fleece and 4-fleece.

Another interesting characteristic is that the integrated factories operating in the Anatolian knitting market are buying large quantities of machinery. Especially, spinning yarn mills.