Lower over the period
South America Silk Production per capita moved from 2.98 Gram in 2015 to 1.56 Gram in 2023 (−47.5%), an average of −7.7% a year. The series high was 3.20 Gram in 2016 and the low 1.43 Gram in 2022.
What South America Silk Production per capita shows
South America Silk Production per capita was 1.56 Gram in 2023, up 9.6% on 2022. South America’s silk production per capita from 2015 to 2023 reflects the region’s limited but continued contribution to the global silk industry. The data shows that silk production remained relatively low compared with major silk-producing regions, but the sector continued to support specialised agricultural activities.
A 55.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2022) is 1.77 Gram. The sharpest single-year move was −28.3% in 2019.
Brazil leads the region
Within South America, Brazil has the highest value in 2023 at 1.56 Gram.
Country ranking
Silk Production per capita by country, 2023
Gram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Gram↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 1.56 | +9.6% |
By region
Silk Production per capita by region
Gram, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
South America Silk Production per capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gram.
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| Year | Gram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.56 | +9.6% |
| 2022 Trough | 1.43 | −19.9% |
| 2021 | 1.78 | −1.5% |
| 2020 | 1.81 | −20.1% |
| 2019 | 2.26 | −28.3% |
| 2018 | 3.15 | +7.6% |
| 2017 | 2.93 | −8.4% |
| 2016Peak | 3.20 | +7.5% |
| 2015 | 2.98 | — |
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 silk production attributed to each individual within a population during a specific year. It is used to analyse the intensity, scale, and trends of silk production across countries and regions. The data provides a historical time series of silk production per capita, helping assess changes in sericulture activities, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk production to rural and agricultural economies.
During the period, silk production decreased from 2.98 grams per person in 2015 to 1.56 grams per person in 2023, indicating an overall declining trend with minor fluctuations.
In 2015, South America recorded silk production of 2.98 grams per capita, which increased slightly to 3.20 grams in 2016. Production remained stable during the following years, reaching 3.15 grams in 2018, before declining gradually. By 2022, production decreased to 1.43 grams per capita, followed by a slight recovery to 1.56 grams in 2023. These changes indicate variations in production capacity and market conditions affecting the regional silk sector.
Brazil is the main contributor to South America’s silk production, with activities focused on mulberry cultivation, silkworm farming, and silk processing. The industry provides opportunities for rural communities and contributes to agricultural diversification. Although production levels are smaller compared with Asian producers, South American silk maintains importance due to its specialised production methods and traditional value.
The decline in silk production per capita may be influenced by factors such as competition from major global producers, rising production costs, limited expansion of sericulture activities, and changing agricultural priorities.
The 2015–2023 silk production per capita data provides insights into South America’s agricultural diversity, production trends, and the role of specialised commodities. It helps analyse the challenges and opportunities for strengthening the region’s traditional silk industry.
- Indicator
- Silk Production per capita
- Region
- South America
- 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 South America 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 silk production attributed to each individual within a population during a specific year. It is used to analyse the intensity, scale, and trends of silk production across countries and regions. The data provides a historical time series of silk production per capita, helping assess changes in sericulture activities, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk production to rural and agricultural economies.
What was South America Silk Production per capita in 2023?
South America Silk Production per capita was 1.56 Gram in 2023, up 9.6% on 2022.
How has South America Silk Production per capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South America Silk Production per capita moved from 2.98 Gram in 2015 to 1.56 Gram in 2023 (−47.5%), an average of −7.7% a year. The series high was 3.20 Gram in 2016 and the low 1.43 Gram in 2022.
Which year had the highest and lowest South America Silk Production per capita?
The highest value was 3.20 Gram in 2016 and the lowest was 1.43 Gram in 2022.
Where does the South America 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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