The revenue of the silk yarn market in Italy amounted to $131M in 2018, going down by -2.5% 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). In general, silk yarn consumption continues to indicate a deep slump.
Production in Italy
In 2018, the production of silk yarn in Italy amounted to 1.2K tonnes, dropping by -10.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, silk yarn production continues to indicate a sharp decline.
In value terms, silk yarn production amounted to $95M in 2018 estimated in export prices. Over the period under review, silk yarn production attained its maximum level at $162M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2018, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports from Italy
In 2018, approx. 286 tonnes of silk yarn were exported from Italy; remaining constant against the previous year. In general, silk yarn exports continue to indicate a drastic descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when exports increased by 20% against the previous year. In that year, silk yarn exports reached their peak of 433 tonnes. From 2017 to 2018, the growth of silk yarn exports failed to regain its momentum.
In value terms, silk yarn exports stood at $26M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. Overall, silk yarn exports continue to indicate a temperate reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, silk yarn exports attained their maximum at $30M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports by Country
Romania (74 tonnes), France (70 tonnes) and the UK (57 tonnes) were the main destinations of silk yarn exports from Italy, together comprising 70% of total exports. These countries were followed by Austria, Tunisia, Turkey, Germany, China, Hong Kong SAR, China and Spain, which together accounted for a further 20%.
From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Tunisia (+65.7% per year), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, France ($6.5M), the UK ($6.4M) and Romania ($6.1M) constituted the largest markets for silk yarn exported from Italy worldwide, together accounting for 75% of total exports. These countries were followed by Austria, China, Turkey, China, Hong Kong SAR, Germany, Spain and Tunisia, which together accounted for a further 18%.
In terms of the main countries of destination, China experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to exports, over the last five-year period, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices by Country
The average silk yarn export price stood at $89,031 per tonne in 2018, rising by 17% against the previous year. Overall, the export price indicated a slight increase from 2013 to 2018: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last five years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, silk yarn export price increased by +66.3% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 42% year-to-year. Over the period under review, the average export prices for silk yarn reached their peak figure in 2018 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.
Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was China ($162,663 per tonne), while the average price for exports to Tunisia ($9,745 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Imports into Italy
In 2018, the amount of silk yarn imported into Italy stood at 1.4K tonnes, going down by -8% against the previous year. Overall, silk yarn imports continue to indicate a deep deduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 3.8% against the previous year.
In value terms, silk yarn imports totaled $105M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, silk yarn imports reached their maximum at $119M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, imports failed to regain their momentum.
Imports by Country
In 2018, Romania (920 tonnes) constituted the largest silk yarn supplier to Italy, accounting for a 67% share of total imports. Moreover, silk yarn imports from Romania exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (156 tonnes), sixfold. Germany (143 tonnes) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 10% share.
From 2013 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of volume from Romania totaled +1.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-16.8% per year) and Germany (-6.1% per year).
In value terms, Romania ($67M) constituted the largest supplier of silk yarn to Italy, comprising 64% of total silk yarn imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($13M), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 12% share.
From 2013 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of value from Romania stood at +1.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-1.9% per year) and China (-12.4% per year).
Import Prices by Country
The average silk yarn import price stood at $76,268 per tonne in 2018, growing by 16% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2018, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.7%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 16% year-to-year. In that year, the average import prices for silk yarn reached their peak level and is likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.
Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2018, the highest prices were recorded for prices from Bulgaria ($90,298 per tonne) and Germany ($87,683 per tonne), while the price for Romania ($72,452 per tonne) and China ($80,190 per tonne) were amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Viet Nam, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
