Silkworm cocoons market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, CIS production of silkworm cocoons suitable for reeling grew from 20 210 t to 28 001 t, while the market volume expanded from 20 067 t to 27 857 t. The most pronounced increase occurred in 2019, when output surged by 18%. This upward trend is consistent with long-term industry practices such as selective breeding of silkworm varieties to raise productivity, which improves cocoon yields from mulberry leaf feedstock.

Following a modest contraction in 2020, production recovered and continued its steady climb through 2023. The sector benefits from the ongoing activity of state-owned enterprises, exemplified by the 'Kryvorizkyi' state silk farm, which maintains cocoon cultivation and mulberry sapling production. Globally, the market is subject to pricing pressures, including dumping of raw materials by China, which can influence competitive conditions for CIS producers.

Production silkworm cocoons in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

World map of production of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, the production volume of silkworm cocoons in the CIS declined. In 2020, production reached 23 172 tonnes, marking a year-on-year decrease of 2.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 59.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 16.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 23 802 tonnes, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 39.3%.

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

Exports silkworm cocoons from CIS

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the CIS exported 136.7 tonnes of silkworm cocoons, representing a gradual reduction of 7.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.2%. The most significant decline was observed in 2018 at 37.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran, China, and Turkey remained the primary markets for CIS silkworm cocoon exports in kind. Iran accounted for 46.2% of exports, China for 16.6%, and Turkey for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 75.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the CIS exported silkworm cocoons worth 1 169 thousand US dollars, showing relative stability compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 19.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 841 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 42.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 39.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Turkey, and China were the main markets for CIS silkworm cocoon exports in value terms. Iran held a 42.0% share, Turkey 17.8%, and China 16.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports silkworm cocoons to CIS

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed notable volatility during the observed period. In 2020, CIS imports of silkworm cocoons reached 11.5 tonnes, down by 66.9% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2.4 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 34.7 tonnes, creating a 14.7-fold difference between these two years. The most substantial decline took place in 2018 at 83.6%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2019 at 1 374.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkmenistan was the leading supplier of silkworm cocoons to the CIS, accounting for 6.2% of imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. In 2020, CIS imports of silkworm cocoons amounted to 168 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 67.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 37 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 523 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 14.3-fold variation. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 91.8%, and the most significant increase was in 2019 at 1 331.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkmenistan played a central role in CIS imports of silkworm cocoons in value terms, representing 4.3% of total flows.

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

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