Silk Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Mulberry Silk, Tussar Silk, Eri Silk), By Production Process (Cocoon Production, Reeling, Throwing, Weaving, Dyeing), By Application (Textile, Cosmetics & Medical), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Global Silk Market was valued at USD 18.76 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 31.05 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.72% through 2030. The growth of the global silk market is being primarily driven by the increasing consumer inclination toward natural and sustainable fibers. As environmental concerns rise and consumers become more eco-conscious, silk has gained prominence for being biodegradable, renewable, and low-impact compared to synthetic alternatives. This has particularly resonated within the fashion and home furnishing sectors, where both brands and consumers are actively seeking greener fabric options. Additionally, innovations in organic sericulture practices are helping improve yield and quality, further supporting the growth trajectory.

Moreover, the booming luxury apparel segment has significantly bolstered demand for silk. Its natural sheen, softness, and premium appeal make it a preferred fabric for high-end garments, accessories, and traditional wear. Asia-Pacific, especially countries like China, India, and Thailand, continue to dominate both production and consumption, owing to silk’s deep-rooted cultural and ceremonial relevance. Meanwhile, Western markets are witnessing a surge in demand for silk in designer clothing, bridal couture, and personalized home décor applications, expanding the global footprint.

The medical and cosmetics industries are also emerging as promising growth frontiers for the silk market. Silk fibroin, a protein extracted from silk, is increasingly being used in biomedical applications such as wound healing, surgical sutures, and tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and regenerative properties. Additionally, silk proteins are gaining traction in skincare and haircare products for their moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. These diversified applications, coupled with supportive government initiatives in sericulture development, are expected to continue propelling the market through 2030.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Natural and Eco-Friendly Fibers

The shift toward sustainability has sparked significant growth in the demand for natural fibers like silk. In a 2024 survey, nearly 73% of global consumers reported a preference for eco-friendly clothing materials over synthetics. This change is especially visible among millennials and Gen Z shoppers who prioritize biodegradable and non-toxic fabrics. As silk is derived from natural sources and has a low environmental footprint, it is gaining attention as an ideal alternative in eco-conscious apparel collections, particularly in luxury and heritage fashion segments.

Growing awareness of the harmful impact of synthetic textiles on ecosystems has further accelerated interest in biodegradable fabrics like silk. Around 92 million tons of textile waste is generated globally each year, with synthetic fibers taking hundreds of years to decompose. In contrast, silk decomposes naturally, leaving no toxic residue. Brands are now adopting silk not only for its aesthetic appeal but also to meet corporate sustainability goals and to comply with emerging textile waste reduction regulations worldwide.

The adoption of sustainable fibers is being driven at both the consumer and regulatory levels. In 2025, over 60 countries are expected to introduce or tighten regulations mandating the use of sustainable raw materials in textile production. This global policy push is encouraging fashion brands and textile manufacturers to increase their sourcing of organic and eco-friendly fabrics like silk. Additionally, supply chain transparency has become a purchasing factor, with consumers demanding certifications that ensure their silk is ethically sourced and environmentally responsible.

Retailers and fashion houses are responding swiftly to these demands. In a recent study, 58% of fashion companies stated they are planning to phase out virgin polyester by 2030, replacing it with natural or recycled alternatives. Silk, being durable, luxurious, and eco-friendly, fits well into this transition. Beyond clothing, demand for silk is also growing in home furnishings, accessories, and sleepwear, driven by both environmental and comfort factors. This positions silk as a key material in the evolving sustainable textile ecosystem.

Expanding Luxury and Fashion Industry

The global fashion industry is witnessing a strong resurgence in luxury demand, significantly boosting the consumption of premium fabrics like silk. A 2024 fashion industry report found that 67% of luxury apparel brands have incorporated silk into their product lines to elevate brand positioning and enhance product aesthetics. With consumer preferences shifting toward high-quality, long-lasting garments, silk is increasingly favored for its rich texture, natural sheen, and comfort. This trend is particularly evident in categories like formal wear, bridal couture, and occasion-specific collections, where elegance and craftsmanship remain top priorities.

Silk continues to be synonymous with sophistication, making it a core material in the expanding luxury fashion landscape. In 2024, nearly 45% of runway collections at top global fashion weeks featured silk-based garments, highlighting its relevance in contemporary and haute couture design. Designers value silk not only for its drape and elegance but also for its adaptability across styles—from traditional handlooms to minimalist silhouettes. Its use in evening gowns, scarves, neckties, and high-end lingerie underscores its enduring status as a luxury staple.

The growing popularity of silk in menswear and luxury streetwear is also reshaping the fabric’s market potential. An analysis from early 2025 shows that 32% of premium menswear collections now incorporate silk elements, such as linings, shirts, and accessories. This reflects a broader shift where men, too, are embracing comfort, exclusivity, and material quality in fashion. As silk blends increasingly feature in gender-fluid and unisex designs, its reach across customer demographics continues to broaden, further cementing its position in the high-end apparel market.

The rise of digital fashion platforms and influencer-led marketing is also amplifying silk’s appeal. In a 2024 consumer behavior survey, 41% of online luxury buyers cited fabric quality as the top factor influencing purchase decisions, with silk consistently ranked among the most desired. Influencers and celebrities showcasing silk in travel, wellness, and lifestyle content have fueled aspirational demand across both mature and emerging economies. As luxury becomes more experiential and fabric-driven, silk’s timeless appeal ensures it remains at the heart of fashion’s evolution.

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Key Market Challenges

Dependence on Traditional Sericulture Practices

One of the major challenges confronting the global silk market is its persistent dependence on traditional sericulture practices, which remain largely manual, time-consuming, and climate sensitive. In many key silk-producing countries like India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, sericulture is still carried out in small-scale rural settings with minimal mechanization. Silkworm rearing, cocoon harvesting, and reeling processes depend heavily on favorable climatic conditions and skilled labor. Any disruption—be it drought, excessive rainfall, or pest infestations—can significantly reduce cocoon yield and quality. Additionally, the reliance on mulberry cultivation, which itself requires fertile land and ample water, adds another layer of vulnerability. These limitations hinder scalability and output consistency, restricting global supply at a time when demand is rising, especially from the fashion and home furnishing sectors.

This over-reliance on traditional methods also creates bottlenecks in modernization and efficiency improvements. Most rural sericulture units lack access to advanced equipment, cold storage for silkworm eggs, or disease-control infrastructure. Moreover, there is often limited awareness or adoption of improved silkworm breeds and scientific rearing techniques that can boost yield. As a result, productivity per hectare remains relatively low, and many silk-producing regions struggle to meet growing domestic and international demand. Labor shortages—especially among younger generations unwilling to pursue sericulture as a livelihood—further worsen the situation. Without technological upgrades and policy-driven incentives for mechanization and training, traditional practices may continue to limit output, reduce quality uniformity, and increase production costs, ultimately posing a major obstacle to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the global silk industry.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Biotech & Lab-Grown Silk

The emergence of biotech and lab-grown silk represents a transformative shift in the global silk industry. Instead of relying on traditional sericulture, companies are now developing silk proteins through microbial fermentation, using genetically engineered bacteria, yeast, or even algae. This method eliminates the need for silkworms and land-intensive mulberry farming, making the process more scalable and environmentally sustainable. Brands like Spiber (Japan) and AMSilk (Germany) are pioneers in this space, creating bio-fabricated silk materials that replicate the texture, strength, and luster of natural silk. These innovations are particularly appealing to eco-conscious consumers and brands seeking to reduce animal cruelty and environmental footprint. Moreover, the production of lab-grown silk can be precisely controlled for consistency, offering a solution to the variability and ethical challenges of traditional silk harvesting.

What makes biotech silk even more promising is its expanding application across diverse industries beyond fashion. Leading fashion houses have already begun collaborating with biotech firms to develop sustainable alternatives for garments, footwear, and accessories. For example, Spiber has partnered with The North Face to create a prototype parka using lab-grown silk, signaling its potential in high-performance wear. Additionally, AMSilk's silk proteins are being used in biodegradable running shoes and watch straps, merging performance and sustainability. Lab-grown silk is also gaining interest in aerospace and medical fields for its lightweight yet durable characteristics. As the demand for ethical and high-performance materials grows, biotech silk is poised to redefine how luxury, functionality, and sustainability intersect, offering a future-forward alternative that meets both environmental and industrial demands.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on type, Mulberry Silk emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Silk Market in 2024 due to its superior quality, softness, and widespread availability. It accounts for approximately 70–80% of global silk production, primarily because of the controlled rearing of Bombyx mori silkworms on a consistent mulberry leaf diet. This results in longer, finer, and more uniform filaments, making it ideal for luxury textiles and premium apparel. Mulberry silk is also more durable and lustrous compared to other types like Tussar or Eri, which contributes to its strong preference across high-end fashion, home furnishing, and personal care industries. Furthermore, countries like China and India, the largest producers, heavily promote mulberry sericulture through supportive policies and research advancements.

Production Process Insights

Based on the production process, Cocoon Production emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Silk Market in 2024 due to its foundational role in the entire silk value chain. The quality and yield of silk fibers directly depend on the health and productivity of cocoons, making this stage critical to the industry's output. With increasing investments in sericulture infrastructure and mulberry cultivation, especially in countries like China and India, cocoon production has seen significant enhancements in scale and efficiency. In 2024, over 75% of global silk output originated from improved cocoon farming techniques. Additionally, government support through training, disease control, and breed improvements has optimized cocoon yields, reinforcing its dominance as the most crucial and volume-intensive phase in silk production.

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Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominated the global silk market in 2024 due to its deep-rooted sericulture traditions, favorable climatic conditions, and strong government support. The region is home to the world’s top two producers—China and India—which together account for over 90% of global silk production. These countries have vast mulberry cultivation areas, skilled labor, and established silk-reeling industries. Cultural significance of silk in traditional attire, such as sarees and qipaos, sustains strong domestic demand. Moreover, initiatives like China’s modernization of silk farms and India’s “Silk Samagra” scheme have enhanced productivity and quality. The presence of leading exporters, robust supply chains, and growing applications in luxury textiles, medical fabrics, and cosmetics further strengthen Asia-Pacific’s dominance in the global silk landscape.

Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest growing region in the global silk market due to its expanding sericulture activities, rising domestic demand, and increasing technological adoption. Countries like China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand are not only the largest producers of raw silk but are also investing in modernizing their silk production through better silkworm breeds, automated reeling machines, and disease management systems. Rapid urbanization and income growth across emerging economies have fueled demand for luxury and traditional silk garments.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, AMSilk has launched AMSilk4Shine and AMSilk4Care, two silk protein-based ingredients tailored for the consumer care sector. AMSilk4Shine offers a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived polymers in dishwashing and cleaning solutions, while AMSilk4Care serves as a pure protein base for personal and household care formulations. These silk proteins adhere as ultra-thin, high-performance coatings and cut carbon footprint by 53% and chemical footprint by 57%, aligning with eco-friendly product trends.
• In April 2025, Shell introduced Shell Silk Alkane at in‑cosmetics Global in Amsterdam (April 2025), signaling its move into beauty and personal care. This vegan, biodegradable synthetic fluid—produced via Gas‑to‑Liquids technology—delivers silky texture, high performance, and low environmental impact. It offers formulators a sustainable alternative to traditional emollients in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics, supporting eco-conscious product development.
• In February 2024, Danone Canada’s Silk brand has launched a Greek-style, plant‑based yogurt fortified with 12 g of Canadian pea protein per 175 g serving. Available in Key Lime and Vanilla flavors, it offers a thick, creamy texture and heightened protein. The yogurt is now produced primarily in Quebec, highlighting Silk’s commitment to local sourcing and sustainable plant-based innovation.
• In September 2024, Nouryon unveiled Structure® Silk starch at in-cosmetics Latin America (São Paulo, September 2024) as a readily biodegradable, non-GMO, starch-based rheology modifier and texturizer for skin and hair care. Derived from non‑GMO potato, it offers luxurious “cushioned” texture, bright luminosity, cold-water processability, and over 90% Renewable Carbon Index, enhancing formulation versatility and sustainability.

Key Market Players

• Anhui silk Co. Ltd.
• Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.
• Wujiang First Textile Co., Ltd.
• Wujiang Wanshiyi silk Co., Ltd.
• Zhejiang Jiaxin silk Corp., Ltd.
• EntoGenetics, Inc.
• Bolt Threads Inc
• Sichuan Nanchong Liuhe (Group) Co., Ltd
• AMSilk GmbH
• China Zhongsi Group Co., Ltd

Report Scope:

In this report, global silk market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Silk Market, By Type:
• Mulberry Silk
• Tussar Silk
• Eri Silk
• Silk Market, By Production Process:
• Cocoon Production
• Reeling
• Throwing
• Weaving
• Dyeing
• Silk Market, By Application:
• Textile
• Cosmetics
• Medical
• Silk Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Kuwait
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in global silk market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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