Silkworm cocoons market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Silkworm cocoon production in South-eastern Asia expanded from 13 301 tonnes in 2018 to 20 338 tonnes in 2021, with market volume following a similar upward trajectory. This consistent growth occurred alongside stable regional production patterns in Asia, without major reported shifts in regulation or policy specific to the region during these years.

After peaking in 2021, both production and market volume stabilized at approximately 20 000 tonnes in 2022 and 2023. This coincided with a 10.7% increase in global exports of silkworm cocoons in 2022, driven by heightened export activity from key regional suppliers like Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand, which influenced domestic market dynamics.

By 2024, the industry began integrating significant technological innovations. Huajia Group launched an automated cocoon sorting system that boosted processing throughput by 36%, while Kraig Biocraft Laboratories tested genetically engineered silkworms in Vietnam, improving silk tensile strength by 45%. These advancements, alongside capacity expansions by companies like Wansli Group, focused on raising productivity and reducing labor dependence.

Production silkworm cocoons in South-eastern 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 South-eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 18,950 tonnes of silkworm cocoons, marking a significant 10.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 51.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8%.

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

Exports silkworm cocoons from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7,663 kg, while the highest was in 2019 at 63,321 kg, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.3 times. In 2020, South-eastern Asia exported 22,158 kg of silkworm cocoons, a steep decline of 65.0% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 726.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China consistently accounted for 82.4% of total exports in kind, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 101.8 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 520.6 thousand US dollars, with volumes varying 5.1 times between these years. In 2020, South-eastern Asia exported 151.5 thousand US dollars worth of silkworm cocoons, down by 70.9% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a growth of 411.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China clearly dominated as the primary buyer of silkworm cocoons from South-eastern Asia, accounting for 92.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports silkworm cocoons to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, kg

Silkworm cocoon deliveries to South-eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 143 kg, down by 52.0% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 98.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -73.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China and Turkey consistently accounted for 89.2% of total imports in kind, indicating a high degree of market concentration, with the rest shared among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4.3 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 190.3 thousand US dollars, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 45 times. In 2020, South-eastern Asia imported approximately 190.3 thousand US dollars worth of silkworm cocoons, corresponding to a rise of 4,373.9% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 94.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan and Turkey consistently accounted for 82.8% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high degree of concentration, with the remainder distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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