Raw silk market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The raw silk market in Uzbekistan experienced a sustained increase in physical volume from 2018 to 2021, rising from 1,207 t to 1,636 t. This growth was primarily driven by state-led reforms and organizational support for the industry, including the establishment of the 'UZBEKIPAKSANOAT' association and the adoption of a presidential decree aimed at modernizing silk production and boosting export potential. These measures helped stimulate domestic output and supported the expansion of market supply.

From 2022 to 2023, the market's physical volume stabilized at approximately 1,600 t annually. During this period, the market's value continued to rise significantly, reflecting a strategic industry shift towards deep processing and higher-value silk products. This transition was supported by new investment projects and efforts to increase production localization. Concurrently, challenges in raw material access for textile enterprises emerged, which likely tempered further volume growth.

Uzbekistan consolidated its role as a leading global producer of raw silk throughout the period. Ongoing government programs focused on expanding mulberry plantations and increasing the domestic processing rate of raw silk, aiming to capture greater value within the country and enhance the industry's export-oriented structure.

Production raw silk in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Uzbekistan ranked as the world's third-largest producer of raw silk from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of raw silk, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw silk, 2017-2020

In 2020, Uzbekistan produced 2,037 tonnes of raw silk, maintaining the same level as in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 69.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.3%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 2,037 tonnes, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, reaching 50.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Production peaked in 2019 and reached its lowest point in 2017, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of raw silk in Uzbekistan was valued at 71,315 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 10.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 79,290 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 79.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uzbekistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports raw silk from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, raw silk exports from Uzbekistan amounted to 517.1 tonnes, marking a dramatic reduction of 33.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 20.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 7.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 781.8 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019, at 31.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, China, and Vietnam led the structure of exports in kind, accounting for 35.3%, 23.5%, and 17.9% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 76.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year period of growth, foreign raw silk supplies from Uzbekistan declined. In 2020, exports stood at 18,103 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic drop of 40.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of decline of 6.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 30,433 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2019, at 24.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Iran, China, and Vietnam were the main buyers of raw silk from Uzbekistan in value terms, accounting for 34.9%, 24.7%, and 17.2% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries comprised 76.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports raw silk to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind showed a strong dependence on South Korea, which accounted for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea effectively monopolized imports in value terms of raw silk to Uzbekistan, taking 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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