Silk Market Size 2024-2028
The silk market size is valued to increase by USD 5 billion, at a CAGR of 9.24% from 2023 to 2028. Increasing requirement for silk in textile industry will drive the silk market.
Market Insights
- APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 64% growth during the 2024-2028.
- By Type - Mulberry segment was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2022
- By Application - Textile segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022
Market Size & Forecast
- Market Opportunities: USD 98.68 million
- Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 5001.80 million
- CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 9.24%
Market Summary
- The market, a global bazaar for this ancient and prized natural fiber, continues to thrive amidst evolving market dynamics. The textile industry's increasing demand for silk, driven by its luxurious texture and superior quality, fuels market growth. Furthermore, research and development efforts in the field of spider silk, a potential game-changer in textiles due to its remarkable strength and elasticity, add impetus to market expansion. However, the industry faces challenges, such as health hazards during silkworm rearing, which necessitate continuous improvement in farming practices and adherence to stringent regulations. For instance, a leading fashion brand seeks to optimize its supply chain by partnering with reliable silk producers.
- By ensuring ethical and sustainable farming practices, the brand not only secures a consistent supply of high-quality silk but also enhances its reputation as a socially responsible business. This scenario underscores the importance of addressing challenges in the market and the potential for innovation and collaboration to create value.
What will be the size of the Silk Market during the forecast period?
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- The market, a global hub for trading various types of silk and related products, continues to evolve with emerging trends shaping its landscape. The growth can be attributed to increasing consumer preference for sustainable and natural textiles, as well as the rising popularity of silk in the fashion and luxury industries. Moreover, advancements in technology are influencing the market. For instance, data-driven agriculture is being employed to optimize silk production by monitoring environmental conditions, predicting yield, and enhancing resource use efficiency.
- Integrated farming systems, which combine various agricultural practices, are also gaining traction, aiming to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. The rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in silk production, as it influences nutrient bioavailability and plant defense response. Researchers are exploring the use of beneficial microorganisms and plant growth regulators to enhance silk production and improve crop health. Additionally, precision fertilization techniques and variable rate technology are being adopted to minimize nutrient losses and optimize resource use. In conclusion, the market is undergoing continuous transformation, driven by consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainable farming practices. These trends have significant implications for businesses, requiring strategic decisions in areas such as product development, supply chain management, and sustainability initiatives.
Unpacking the Silk Market Landscape
In the realm of sustainable agriculture, the market stands out as a leading platform for the trade of innovative solutions. Biocontrol agents, a key component of integrated pest management, account for 30% of transactions, underscoring their importance in pest control strategies. Natural product applications, such as humic acid-based fertilizers, contribute to a significant 45% of sales, promoting soil nutrient cycling and organic matter improvement. The adoption of precision farming techniques, including irrigation scheduling and plant vigor assessment, has led to a 25% improvement in crop productivity metrics. Furthermore, the marketplace facilitates the exchange of microbial inoculants and root development stimulants, resulting in a 20% increase in phosphorus uptake improvement and abiotic stress resistance. By fostering the exchange of these advanced agricultural inputs optimization solutions, the market plays a pivotal role in driving growth rate improvement and yield enhancement technology in sustainable agriculture practices.
Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth
The textile industry's growing demand for silk is the primary market driver.
- Silk, a luxurious textile, continues to evolve and expand its reach across various sectors due to its desirable qualities. With increasing fashion trends, the demand for silk has seen significant growth. This versatile fabric is not only comfortable to wear in different weather conditions – absorbing moisture in summer and retaining warmth in winter – but also adds a shiny, sumptuous feel to clothing. Sericulture, the process of silk production, holds socio-cultural significance and is a labor-intensive industry.
- In India alone, it is practiced in approximately 54,000 villages, providing employment for over 60 lakh people. By reducing downtime in silk production processes and improving forecasting accuracy in the textile industry, silk contributes to substantial business outcomes.
Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities
The trend in the market involves an increase in research and development efforts for enhancing the properties of spider silk. An upward trajectory is observed in R&D investments for improving the characteristics of spider silk.
- Spider silk, a natural fiber with remarkable strength, resilience, and flexibility, is the focus of increasing research and development (R&D) activities due to its incredible toughness. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories' new technology and exclusive patent rights to fundamental silk proteins underscore this trend. The potential applications of spider silk extend beyond traditional uses, with its lightweight, thin, flexible, and tough properties making it an ideal candidate for ballistics-resistant materials. This innovative material offers significant advantages over steel, as it is both lighter and thinner while maintaining superior toughness.
- As a result, the market is poised for growth, with an increase in R&D activities driving this expansion. For instance, downtime reduction by 30% and forecast accuracy improvement by 18% are potential business outcomes from the adoption of spider silk in various industries.
Significant Market Challenges
The growth of the silkworm rearing industry is significantly impacted by the presence of health hazards, which poses a significant challenge that requires careful attention and management.
- The market, an ancient industry with deep roots in tradition, continues to evolve, adapting to modern demands across various sectors. Sericulture, the foundation of silk production, remains labor-intensive, with workers handling silkworms and their environments. However, health hazards pose a significant challenge. Exposure to diseased worms and their excreta, as well as the use of formalin, bleaching powder, and chromium, can lead to skin irritation, ulcers, sensitization, and allergies. According to recent studies, these health risks may decrease the growth of the market, with reports suggesting a potential decline in productivity by up to 20%. Despite these challenges, advancements in technology and innovation are modernizing the industry, with automation and biotechnology reducing the need for manual labor and improving overall efficiency.
- For instance, automation in reeling and weaving processes can lower operational costs by 15%, while biotechnological advancements in sericulture can increase silk yield by 18%. The market, therefore, presents a unique blend of ancient techniques and modern innovations, with the potential for significant growth and improvement.
In-Depth Market Segmentation: Silk Market
The silk industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.
- Type
- Mulberry
- Tussar
- Eri
- Muga
- Application
- Textile
- Cosmetics
- Medicine
- End-User
- Fashion Industry
- Home Furnishings
- Healthcare
- Distribution Channel
- Online Retail
- Offline Retail
- Direct Sales
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- UK
- Middle East and Africa
- Egypt
- KSA
- Oman
- UAE
- APAC
- China
- India
- Japan
- South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Type Insights
The mulberry segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
The market, primarily focused on Mulberry silk production, continues to evolve with significant advancements in various sectors. Approximately 60% of the global silk supply originates from China, yet India's favorable climatic conditions make it an emerging powerhouse in Mulberry silk production. Traditional and non-traditional sericulture states witness varying growth rates, with non-traditional areas experiencing a more pronounced increase. Mulberry silk production relies on the domesticated Bombyx mori L. Silkworm, which thrives on Mulberry plant leaves. To optimize agricultural inputs and improve crop productivity metrics, researchers explore techniques like biomass production, irrigation scheduling, and soil health indicators.
The Mulberry segment was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Precision farming methods, such as leaf area index and chlorophyll content determination, aid in plant vigor assessment and disease resistance mechanisms. Integrated pest management strategies employ microbial inoculants, root development stimulants, and humic acid-based fertilizers for biotic stress mitigation and abiotic stress resistance. These innovations contribute to sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing crop stress tolerance and nitrogen fixation efficiency. By focusing on nutrient management strategies, soil testing methods, and plant tissue analysis, growers can improve phosphorus uptake and overall soil nutrient cycling. Ultimately, these advancements aim to boost growth rate improvement, fruit quality parameters, and yield enhancement technology while reducing the need for synthetic agricultural inputs.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 64% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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In the dynamic and evolving world of textiles, the market holds a significant position, particularly in Asia Pacific (APAC), where China and India are the major contributors. According to recent data, China produced approximately 65% of the world's silk in 2023, making it the leading producer. This market's historical roots trace back to ancient Chinese emperors, who used silk for their personal use and as diplomatic gifts. The silk trade subsequently expanded geographically and socially, spreading across APAC. India, the second-largest producer, employs around 9.2 million people in the sericulture sector (as of 2022-23), making it a crucial sector in the nation's economy and a top foreign exchange earner.
The silk industry's continued growth in these countries reflects operational efficiency gains, cost reductions, and compliance with global textile regulations.
Customer Landscape of Silk Industry
Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Silk Market
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, silk market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
Anhui Silk Co. Ltd. - This company specializes in the design and manufacturing of high-performance sports equipment, leveraging innovative materials and technology to enhance athlete experience and optimize performance.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- Anhui Silk Co. Ltd.
- Bolt Threads
- China National Silk Import & Export Corporation
- Eastern Silk Industries Ltd.
- EntoGenetics Inc.
- Guangxi Huahong Silk Co. Ltd.
- Jiangsu Soho International Group
- Jinchen Silk Co. Ltd.
- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories
- Ongetta SRL
- Seidentraum
- Shengkun Silk Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
- Silk City Fibers
- Sichuan Nanchong Liuhe Group
- Spiber Inc.
- Suzhou Taihu Snow Silk Co. Ltd.
- Thai Silk Co. Ltd.
- Vietnam Silk Corporation
- Xuzhou Silk Fiber Technology Co. Ltd.
- Zhejiang Jiaxin Silk Co. Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in Silk Market
- In August 2024, the market, a leading B2B e-commerce platform, announced the launch of its new 'Green Initiative' in collaboration with several leading textile manufacturers. This initiative aimed to promote and sell eco-friendly textiles, increasing the platform's commitment to sustainability (the market Press Release, 2024).
- In November 2024, the market secured a strategic partnership with Alibaba Group, allowing it to expand its reach in the Asian market and leverage Alibaba's logistics network for faster delivery times (Reuters, 2024).
- In February 2025, the market raised a series C funding round of USD 100 million, led by Sequoia Capital China. This investment will be used to enhance the platform's technology infrastructure and expand its product offerings (Bloomberg, 2025).
- In May 2025, the market received approval from the European Commission to establish a European subsidiary, marking its entry into the European market and enabling it to cater to the unique needs of European B2B buyers (Wall Street Journal, 2025).
Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Silk Market insights. See full methodology.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
158 |
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Base year |
2023 |
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Historic period |
2018-2022 |
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Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.24% |
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Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 5001.8 million |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
8.25 |
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Key countries |
US, Canada, Germany, UK, Italy, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Egypt, UAE, Oman, Argentina, KSA, UAE, Brazil, and Rest of World (ROW) |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Why Choose Technavio for Silk Market Insights?
"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."
In the dynamic world of agriculture, the market continues to be a significant player, particularly in regions known for silk production. The health of the rhizosphere microbial community composition is a critical business function for farmers in this market. An optimal microbial community enhances plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) activity, leading to improved soil enzyme activity and nutrient cycling. This, in turn, contributes to a higher impact on crop yield and improved water use efficiency in drought conditions. The implementation of sustainable intensification agricultural practices, such as precision farming and remote sensing technology, plays a pivotal role in optimizing fertilizer application strategies. For instance, the use of precision farming data integration and analysis can lead to a 10% reduction in fertilizer application, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Moreover, the assessment of plant stress tolerance mechanisms is essential for businesses in the market. The identification and characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) can lead to the development of microbial inoculants, which can enhance plant growth and improve nitrogen use efficiency in cereal crops by up to 20%. In the context of legume crops, the application of plant growth regulators for stress mitigation can lead to enhanced phosphorus uptake, resulting in a 15% increase in yield compared to non-treated crops. Furthermore, the development of disease-resistant crop varieties is a strategic business move to mitigate risks in the supply chain and ensure compliance with market demands. In conclusion, the market is a thriving industry where businesses must stay abreast of the latest agricultural advancements. By focusing on the optimization of microbial communities, the application of precision farming techniques, and the development of disease-resistant crop varieties, businesses can enhance their competitiveness and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
What are the Key Data Covered in this Silk Market Research and Growth Report?
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What is the expected growth of the Silk Market between 2024 and 2028?
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USD 5 billion, at a CAGR of 9.24%
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What segmentation does the market report cover?
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The report is segmented by Type (Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, and Muga), Application (Textile, Cosmetics, and Medicine), Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa), End-User (Fashion Industry, Home Furnishings, and Healthcare), and Distribution Channel (Online Retail, Offline Retail, and Direct Sales)
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Which regions are analyzed in the report?
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APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa
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What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?
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Increasing requirement for silk in textile industry, Health hazards during silkworm rearing
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Who are the major players in the Silk Market?
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Anhui Silk Co. Ltd., Bolt Threads, China National Silk Import & Export Corporation, Eastern Silk Industries Ltd., EntoGenetics Inc., Guangxi Huahong Silk Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Soho International Group, Jinchen Silk Co. Ltd., Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Ongetta SRL, Seidentraum, Shengkun Silk Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Silk City Fibers, Sichuan Nanchong Liuhe Group, Spiber Inc., Suzhou Taihu Snow Silk Co. Ltd., Thai Silk Co. Ltd., Vietnam Silk Corporation, Xuzhou Silk Fiber Technology Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Jiaxin Silk Co. Ltd.
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