The global sericulture market is projected to grow from $251.2 billion in 2022 to $468.4 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%. This growth is fueled by the diversification of silk applications beyond traditional textiles into sectors such as cosmetics, medical devices, and industrial uses, opening new revenue streams. Government support, including subsidies and infrastructure development, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries, further drives market expansion.
China’s Dominance and Regional Insights
China is a critical player in the sericulture market, producing 74% of the world’s silk output and accounting for 90% of global raw silk exports. The Asia-Pacific region holds approximately 65% of the market share, with other key producers including India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Government initiatives, such as mulberry plantation programs and training for farmers in India, have strengthened the region’s position. Europe contributes around 15% of the market, focusing on high-quality silk for luxury fashion and industrial applications, while North America accounts for about 12%, driven by demand in cosmetics and biomedical sectors.
Market Segmentation and Key Trends
By type, mulberry silk dominates with a 62% share due to its fine quality and widespread use in textiles and luxury apparel. Vanya silk and eri silk hold smaller shares, valued for their natural texture and durability. In terms of production process, cocoon production is the largest segment at 40%, followed by throwing, weaving, and dyeing. The textile application segment leads with 68% of the market, while cosmetics and medical uses account for 20% and 12%, respectively, as silk proteins find applications in skincare and wound healing.
Recent Developments and Technological Advancements
Recent developments highlight technological innovations and strategic moves in the sericulture industry. In January 2026, India’s Central Silk Board collaborated with a startup to develop an AI-powered digital microscope for early disease detection in silkworms, boosting testing capacity. Mergers and acquisitions, such as China National Silk Group’s acquisition of a silk yarn plant in India in July 2025, aim to expand global production footprints. Companies like Zhejiang Silk Co., Ltd. have merged with biotech startups to improve silkworm genetics and cocoon yields.
Key Players and Competitive Landscape
Major players in the sericulture market include Anhui Silk, Zhejiang Jiaxin Silk Co., Ltd., Shengkun Silk Manufacturing Co., Ltd., WENSLI, and China Silk International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., with significant market shares driven by large-scale production and export capabilities. International firms like Bolt Threads and Spiber Technologies focus on synthetic and bioengineered silk fibers for sustainable fashion and industrial uses. The competitive landscape is characterized by vertical integration, innovation in silk processing, and expansion into global markets.
Market Dynamics and Challenges
Increasing demand for natural and sustainable fibers is a key driver, with global silk production at approximately 80,000 tonnes annually. Government policies, such as India’s Silk Samagra schemes, support raw silk production and rural employment. However, the labor-intensive nature of sericulture poses a restraint, as silkworm rearing and processing require significant manual labor, leading to higher operational costs and potential skilled labor shortages. This challenge may limit growth potential despite technological advancements.
