Middle East: Raw Silk Market 2025

Raw Silk Market Size in the Middle East

After two years of decline, the Middle Eastern raw silk market increased by 7.3% to $X in 2022. The total consumption indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -36.9% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Raw Silk Production in the Middle East

In value terms, raw silk production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 73%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

The country with the largest volume of raw silk production was Iran (X tons), comprising approx. 97% of total volume. It was followed by Turkey (X tons), with a 1.9% share of total production.

In Iran, raw silk production expanded at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the period from 2012-2022.

Raw Silk Exports

Exports in the Middle East

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of raw silk decreased by -26.7% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports, however, posted temperate growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 761%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, raw silk exports dropped sharply to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted a mild expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 194% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

Iran was the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which resulted at 73% of total exports. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), making up a 27% share of total exports.

Iran was also the fastest-growing in terms of the raw silk exports, with a CAGR of +28.6% from 2012 to 2022. The United Arab Emirates (-9.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Iran (+65 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of the United Arab Emirates (-64.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Iran ($X) remains the largest raw silk supplier in the Middle East, comprising 71% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 29% share of total exports.

In Iran, raw silk exports increased at an average annual rate of +21.0% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a slight descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 154% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Iran stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-0.5%).

Raw Silk Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in supplies from abroad of raw silk, when their volume increased by 10% to X tons. Overall, imports enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 92%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, raw silk imports declined slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 135% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Iran was the key importer of raw silk in the Middle East, with the volume of imports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 74% of total imports in 2022. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 21% share, followed by Turkey (5.2%).

Imports into Iran increased at an average annual rate of +8.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+12.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of +12.0% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Turkey (-11.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Iran and the United Arab Emirates increased by +17 and +8.8 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Iran ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported raw silk in the Middle East, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 23% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Iran stood at +22.4%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+10.2% per year) and Turkey (-8.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -11.5% against the previous year. Import price indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, raw silk import price increased by +14.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the import price increased by 56% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while Iran ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Iran (+12.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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