European Union exports of circular knitting machines increased by 3.1 per cent in 2017 from 2016. Among EU countries, two continue to stand out in terms of knitting machine exports: Germany and Italy. While Italy is the leader in sock knitting machines, Germany leads in terms of circular knitting machines for apparel fabrics and other applications.

The European Union produces many of the world's finest and most advanced circular and hosiery knitting machines. Renowned international brands like Mayer & Cie. and Terrot continue to dominate large diameter machine sales, with small diameter specialist machine builders such as Harry Lucas also contributing.

Italy is the second largest exporter after Germany. In 2017, Italy had a 22.3 per cent share of EU circular knitting machine exports. Italian brands such as Santoni and Pilotelli (now owned by Terrot) continue to export globally. Turkey’s share was 18.3 per cent in 2017.

Italy is the largest exporter of sock knitting machines. Italy’s share of EU sock knitting machine exports in 2017 was 87.2 per cent, leading the world with internationally celebrated brands such as Lonati, Sangiacomo, Rumi, Busi Giovanni and Cesare Colosio. Turkey received 29 per cent of EU sock knitting machines exports in 2017 while China received 18.6 per cent.