Silkworm cocoons market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, silkworm cocoon production in Central Asia increased from 19 696 t to 23 158 t, with market volume rising from 19 555 t to 23 046 t. This growth was supported by the adoption of selective breeding for higher-yielding silkworm varieties and improved mulberry cultivation practices, which enhanced cocoon output. In 2019, despite competitive pressure from China's dumping pricing on the global silk market, local producers maintained growth through optimal climate control for silkworm rearing and investment in specialized reeling equipment. The following year, market volume stabilized at 22 696 t as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, temporarily affecting the trade of raw materials and equipment.

Production recovered from 2021 onward, reaching 27 644 t by 2023, while market volume expanded to 27 455 t. Although pandemic-related logistical constraints persisted into 2021 and were compounded in 2022 by international sanctions and shifts in trade relations that impacted export flows, the sector demonstrated resilience. Traditional sericulture techniques and adaptation to changing market conditions allowed output to grow steadily through the period.

Production silkworm cocoons in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

World map of production of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

Silkworm cocoon production in Central Asia declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production reached 22 725 tonnes, marking a 1.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 59.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 23 158 tonnes, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 38.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports silkworm cocoons from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 40.4 tonnes of silkworm cocoons, representing a sharp decline of 72.5% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran and China remained the leading markets for Central Asia's silkworm cocoon exports, together accounting for 71.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export values reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, showing a 4.2-fold variation. In 2020, Central Asia's silkworm cocoon exports amounted to 346 thousand US dollars, representing a 70.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 39.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iran and China maintained leading positions in the value structure of silkworm cocoon exports from Central Asia, jointly accounting for 71.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports silkworm cocoons to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with an 8.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia imported 11.5 tonnes of silkworm cocoons, representing a steep contraction of 66.7% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4.3 tonnes, while the maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 34.7 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 81.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 709.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia and Belarus were the leading sources of silkworm cocoon imports to Central Asia, together accounting for 11.0% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, reflecting a 14.3-fold gap. In 2020, foreign silkworm cocoon supplies to Central Asia totaled 168 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep fall of 67.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 37 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 523 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 91.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1 331.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia held the top position among suppliers of silkworm cocoons to Central Asia, accounting for 1.7% of total import value.

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

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