Feb 11, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Silk-Worm Cocoons – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the United Kingdom’s silk-worm cocoons market. It details a significant historical decline in consumption and production since 2014 peaks, with 2024 figures at 1.1 tons consumed and 2.5 tons produced. The market is forecast for modest recovery, with a projected CAGR of +2.5% in volume and +2.8% in value through 2035. Trade dynamics show a dramatic drop in imports to just 61 kg, solely from Turkey, while exports of 1.5 tons primarily go to Cote d’Ivoire, the US, and Italy. A notable price disparity exists, with high export prices averaging $88,811/ton versus import prices of $20,328/ton.
Key Findings
UK market forecast to grow at +2.5% volume and +2.8% value CAGR, reaching 1.4 tons and $37K by 2035Domestic consumption and production have collapsed since 2014 peaks, down 95% and 90% respectivelyImports plummeted to just 61 kg in 2024, sourced entirely from TurkeyExports of 1.5 tons primarily go to Cote d’Ivoire, the US, and Italy, with a high average price of $88,811 per tonMajor price gap exists, with export prices over four times higher than import pricesMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for silk-worm cocoons in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +2.5% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.4 tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $37K (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Silk-Worm Cocoons
In 2024, consumption of silk-worm cocoons (reelable) in the UK reduced to 1.1 tons, declining by -12.5% compared with the previous year’s figure. In general, consumption recorded a abrupt shrinkage. Silk-worm cocoons consumption peaked at 22 tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
The revenue of the silk-worm cocoons market in the UK reduced rapidly to $27K in 2024, waning by -18.1% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption faced a abrupt shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $533K in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Silk-Worm Cocoons
In 2024, production of silk-worm cocoons (reelable) increased by 63% to 2.5 tons, rising for the fourth consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 68% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum volume at 26 tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum. Silk-worm cocoons output in the UK indicated a abrupt setback, which was largely conditioned by a abrupt shrinkage of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.
In value terms, silk-worm cocoons production surged to $73K in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a abrupt decrease. Silk-worm cocoons production peaked at $654K in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Silk-Worm Cocoons
In 2024, purchases abroad of silk-worm cocoons (reelable) decreased by -95.1% to 61 kg, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports faced a sharp decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 2,893% against the previous year. Imports peaked at 21 tons in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, silk-worm cocoons imports declined remarkably to $1.2K in 2024. Over the period under review, imports showed a dramatic curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 1,184% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $235K in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Turkey (61 kg) was the main supplier of silk-worm cocoons to the UK, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Turkey was relatively modest.
In value terms, Turkey ($1.2K) constituted the largest supplier of silk-worm cocoons (reelable) to the UK.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Turkey was relatively modest.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average silk-worm cocoons import price amounted to $20,328 per ton, with a decrease of -49.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price faced a abrupt decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the average import price increased by 939% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $83,935 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Turkey.
From 2013 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for China amounted to +5.8% per year.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Silk-Worm Cocoons
In 2024, shipments abroad of silk-worm cocoons (reelable) decreased by -3.1% to 1.5 tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports faced a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 420%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 23 tons. From 2017 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, silk-worm cocoons exports amounted to $136K in 2024. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 1,693%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $850K. From 2019 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Cote d’Ivoire (736 kg) was the main destination for silk-worm cocoons exports from the UK, with a 48% share of total exports. Moreover, silk-worm cocoons exports to Cote d’Ivoire exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United States (327 kg), twofold. Italy (327 kg) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 21% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Cote d’Ivoire was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (-7.6% per year) and Italy (-17.8% per year).
In value terms, Italy ($41K), the United States ($37K) and Cote d’Ivoire ($28K) appeared to be the largest markets for silk-worm cocoons exported from the UK worldwide, together comprising 79% of total exports. Belgium and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.
In terms of the main countries of destination, Belgium, with a CAGR of +12.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average silk-worm cocoons export price stood at $88,811 per ton in 2024, increasing by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 640% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $101,719 per ton. From 2019 to 2024, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($224,676 per ton), while the average price for exports to Cote d’Ivoire ($38,293 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+17.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the silk-worm cocoons industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the silk-worm cocoons landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageFCL 1185 – Cocoons, reelableCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links silk-worm cocoons demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of silk-worm cocoons dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the silk-worm cocoons market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.