Lower over the period
China Silk Production per capita moved from 121.8 Gram in 2015 to 35.15 Gram in 2023 (−71.1%), an average of −14.4% a year. The series high was 121.8 Gram in 2015 and the low 32.74 Gram in 2021.
What China Silk Production per capita shows
China Silk Production per capita was 35.15 Gram in 2023, up 0.2% on 2022. China’s silk production per capita between 2015 and 2023 demonstrates a substantial long-term decline, reflecting significant changes in the country’s sericulture sector and production levels relative to its population.
A 73.1% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2021) is 89.03 Gram. The sharpest single-year move was −43% in 2019.
Ranks 1 of 18 countries covered
Among the 18 countries in this dataset, China ranks 1 for 2023. The global figure for 2023 is 11.62 Gram, so China is above it.
Full series
China Silk Production per capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Gram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 35.15 | +0.2% |
| 2022 | 35.08 | +7.2% |
| 2021 Trough | 32.74 | −12.5% |
| 2020 | 37.42 | −22.4% |
| 2019 | 48.19 | −43% |
| 2018 | 84.57 | −15.9% |
| 2017 | 100.5 | −10.9% |
| 2016 | 112.8 | −7.3% |
| 2015Peak | 121.8 | — |
Regional context
How China compares in Asia
Silk Production per capita by country, 2023, Gram. China is highlighted.
1China35.15
2India27.06
3Tajikistan16.52
4Vietnam14.43
5Kyrgyzstan6.78
6Thailand4.06
7Iran3.05
8Cambodia1.44
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems.
The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
About this indicator
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
As one of the world’s major silk-producing countries, China has a well-established silk industry supported by silkworm rearing, mulberry cultivation, cocoon production, textile manufacturing, and export-oriented supply chains. The per-capita indicator provides a population-adjusted measure of production and helps assess changes in output, productivity, and sector performance over time.
The available data shows that China’s silk production per capita declined from 121.76 grams in 2015 to 112.82 grams in 2016 and 100.54 grams in 2017. The downward trend continued, reaching 84.57 grams in 2018, followed by a sharper reduction to 48.19 grams in 2019. Production declined further to 37.42 grams in 2020, indicating a substantial contraction over the first six years of the period.
The indicator continued to decrease to 32.74 grams in 2021, which was the lowest value recorded during the period. However, a moderate recovery followed, with production increasing to 35.08 grams in 2022 and 35.15 grams in 2023. Although the latest increase was limited, it suggests that production may have begun to stabilise after several years of decline. Despite this improvement, the 2023 level remained approximately 71.1% below the 2015 value, highlighting the scale of the overall reduction.
Overall, the dataset indicates a major decline in China’s silk production per capita, followed by early signs of stabilisation in the latest years. It is valuable for analysing long-term sericulture trends, comparing production performance across countries, evaluating changes in silk supply, monitoring sector development, and supporting agricultural, industrial, trade, and market forecasting.
- Indicator
- Silk Production per capita
- Country
- China
- Region
- Asia
- Unit
- Gram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is China Silk Production per capita?
Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
What was China Silk Production per capita in 2023?
China Silk Production per capita was 35.15 Gram in 2023, up 0.2% on 2022.
How has China Silk Production per capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
China Silk Production per capita moved from 121.8 Gram in 2015 to 35.15 Gram in 2023 (−71.1%), an average of −14.4% a year. The series high was 121.8 Gram in 2015 and the low 32.74 Gram in 2021.
Which year had the highest and lowest China Silk Production per capita?
The highest value was 121.8 Gram in 2015 and the lowest was 32.74 Gram in 2021.
What does the China Silk Production per capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems. Excluded: The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
Where does the China Silk Production per capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Silk&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Gram.
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