A Study of US Silk Consumption and Industry in 2024 Based on Trade Statistics Jan-Aug 2024
On November 8, 2024, we published our blog post named ‘The U.S. Silk Product Trade Statistics Brief for January-August 2024’, which is a reprint from the U.S.A Department of Commerce by the China Chamber of Commerce. Here in this article, Docsun Home and Living would like to apply further analysis together with more information collected based on these statistics.
US as a Silk Consumer
From January to August, the total export value of all American silk products was USD 468 million. Compared with its total import value of USD 3.423 billion during the same period, the exports only take 13.6% of the imports.
This finding indicates that the U.S. is primarily a consumer rather than a producer of silk products. The high import-to-export ratio suggests that the U.S. market relies heavily on silk products sourced from other countries to meet domestic demand rather than producing silk goods locally.
The statistic report categorizes American silk imports by product types, suggesting that the largest share of consumption includes:
- Silk Finished Products: This category covers a range of items, such as scarf collection, clothing, accessories, and home textiles, which have high demand among U.S. public. The total value from January to August reached USD 3.27 billion.
- Silk Fabrics: These are used in high-end fashion and luxury industries within the U.S., indicating a significant demand for raw or semi-finished silk materials used in local manufacturing or by designers. The total value was USD 133.38 million.
- Raw silk: Most goods in this category are in the form of silk yarn, used in weaving and knitting to produce fabrics for luxury clothing and home textiles. The total value was USD 12.74 million.
As silk finished products took more than 95% of the import value, it strongly shows that the U.S. is more likely to buy silk products directly for the retail industry rather than having a strong silk textile industry.
Who are supplying silk products to the Americans?
The report also reveals the main suppliers of silk finished products to America. China (USD 1 billion), India (USD 260 million), and Vietnam (USD 262 million) jointly took 46.8% of the total import value. These countries dominate the silk supply chain for several reasons:
- Abundant Raw Silk Production: China is the largest producer of raw silk globally. We leverage this to offer custom printing services that are highly sought after by US brands.
- Established Silk Manufacturing Expertise: These countries have long histories in silk craftsmanship, with skilled labor capable of producing high-quality garments.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower labor and production costs allow these countries to produce finished products more affordably for the US retail market.
- Supply Chain Infrastructure: Well-developed textile export industries ensure efficient delivery to the US market.
Interestingly, the European Union (EU) also serves as a significant supplier (USD 354 million), focusing on high-quality items. Italy, in particular, exports luxury goods like designer ties and scarves. For brands looking for similar high-end packaging solutions, our scarf custom cases offer premium presentation options.
Brief findings of U.S. silk exports
The U.S. silk export industry is relatively small, confirming its role as a consumer market. The export value from January to August 2024 was USD 468 million, a decrease of 5.29% year-over-year. U.S. silk exports likely emphasize finished products and high-quality, niche fabrics directed to select international destinations.
If you are looking to enter the silk market or need a reliable supplier, please send us an inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the United States a silk producer or consumer?
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