Raw silk market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese raw silk market experienced a severe contraction from 115.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 45.4 thousand tons in 2021. This decline was primarily driven by rising sericulture costs and the increasing impact of climate change and silkworm diseases, which disrupted production stability and led to significant output fluctuations. These challenges, highlighted in industry factors for 2019 and 2021, reduced the available supply and put upward pressure on prices, constraining overall market volume.

A period of stabilization and modest recovery followed from 2022, with the market reaching 46.8 thousand tons in 2023. This turnaround was supported by government policy aimed at revitalizing the textile industry, including the introduction of new sector standards like 'Coarse Raw Silk' to regulate processing. Sustained domestic consumer interest in natural and eco-friendly fibers provided a steady demand base. However, the market's growth was tempered by a complex international trade environment, with anti-dumping measures affecting export prices and volumes in 2022, alongside geopolitical tensions that impacted overseas capacity projects.

Throughout the period, the industry focused on adaptation through technological innovation and sustainable development, promoting deep processing and diversifying silk applications into areas such as healthcare and high-tech fibers. Market concentration remained high among key producers, reinforcing operational resilience against ongoing challenges like labor cost increases and supply chain pressures.

Production raw silk in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, China was the leading producer of raw silk from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of raw silk, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw silk, 2017-2020

Raw silk production in China fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, China produced 53.4 thousand tonnes of raw silk, representing a sharp year-over-year decline of 22.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 62.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Raw silk production in China decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 763 million US dollars in China, down 24.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 64.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -29.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw silk from China

Exports in kind, t

Raw silk exports from China declined for the third straight year. In 2020, China exported 2 356 tonnes of raw silk, showing a sharp drop of 45.3% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 60.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India, Romania, and Vietnam were the key export partners for China's raw silk shipments in volume terms. India accounted for 45.3% of exports, Romania for 19.8%, and Vietnam for 11.3%, together making up 76.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of raw silk from China fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were recorded at 122.0 million US dollars, marking a 46.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 62.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Romania, and Vietnam formed the main group of markets for China's raw silk exports in value terms. India held 44.3% of exports, Romania 19.9%, and Vietnam 11.2%, collectively representing 75.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw silk to China

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China imported 94 tonnes of raw silk, which is 67.8% lower than the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 291 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 271.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Kyrgyzstan were the primary sources for raw silk imports to China in volume terms. Uzbekistan accounted for 65.1% of imports, Vietnam for 14.4%, and Kyrgyzstan for 13.6%, together comprising 93.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Imports hit their low in 2017 and their high in 2019, varying by 6.5 times. In 2020, foreign raw silk supplies to China reached 1.2 million US dollars, down 65.5% from a year earlier. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase seen in 2018 at 200.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Kyrgyzstan accounted for the largest share of raw silk imports to China in value terms. Uzbekistan made up 61.7% of imports, Vietnam 13.9%, and Kyrgyzstan 10.2%, together totaling 85.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020