In 2023, the import volume of circular knitting machines with a cylinder diameter exceeding 165 mm was approximately 171.50 thousand kilograms. The forecast indicates a consistent decline in imports from 2024 to 2028. Year-on-year changes highlight a decrease of roughly 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, 7.8% from 2025 to 2026, 8.2% from 2026 to 2027, and 8.8% from 2027 to 2028. Over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) suggests an average reduction of 7.9% per annum, indicating a persistent downward trend.

Future trends to watch for include:

Technological advancements could drive efficiency, potentially reducing machine imports.
Shifts in textile industry demands may influence import needs.
Economic factors impacting the UK manufacturing sector could affect import volumes.