After two years of increases, silk fabrics imports by Japan dropped significantly in 2023, both in volume and value.

Silk fabrics imports by Japan dropped 5.2 per cent to 3.7 million sq m in volume during 2023 as against a 7.9 per cent growth seen in 2021. The value of silk fabric imports also declined to an estimated $29 million in 2023. Similar to volume, imports hit a peak of $65 million in 2013 and haven't recovered. The most significant growth came in 2022 with a 6.2 per cent increase.

Vietnam, China and Italy emerged as the top suppliers of silk fabrics to Japan in 2023. The most significant rise in exports of silk fabrics to Japan was witnessed by Vietnam with an annual growth of 0.3 per cent in volume over the past decade. On the other hand, the country’s imports from China and Italy declined.

By value, Vietnam ($13 million), China ($11 million), and Italy ($3.4 million) remained the highest importers of silk fabrics from Japan. Vietnam again led with an annual growth of 2.2 per cent in import value.

The average import price per square meter remained flat at $7.9 in 2023. Prices varied significantly by country. Italy had the highest price ($22 per meter), while Vietnam offered the lowest ($6.2 per meter).

Vietnam with 19 per cent saw the most notable annual price growth over the past decade, compared to other major suppliers.