Silk (chapter 50): which countries import it
Chapter 50 covers silk at all stages: from cocoons to yarn and woven fabric. The United Kingdom is the largest importer globally, followed by Italy and…
Published on 16 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 50 covers silk at all stages: from cocoons to yarn and woven fabric. The United Kingdom is the largest importer globally, followed by Italy and India. Before exporting silk products from Spain, confirm the exact tariff rate by product code and destination, and verify any phytosanitary or quality certificates required by the buyer's country.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 50
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 33,348,279,892 |
| Italy | 344,562,377 |
| India | 201,044,905 |
| Romania | 105,048,019 |
| France | 83,670,131 |
| China | 83,242,529 |
| Japan | 72,153,809 |
| United States | 57,266,711 |
| Nigeria | 53,199,237 |
| Germany | 33,661,475 |
| Tunisia | 29,281,158 |
| Türkiye | 28,905,023 |
| Ireland | 28,879,187 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 26,795,270 |
| South Korea | 26,541,754 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Silk-worm cocoons suitable for reelingHeading 5001
- Raw silk (not thrown)Heading 5002
- Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock)Heading 5003
- Silk; yarn (other than yarn spun from silk waste), not put up for retail saleHeading 5004
- Yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail saleHeading 5005
- Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste, put up for retail sale; silk-worm gutHeading 5006
- Woven fabrics of silk or of silk wasteHeading 5007
Trade fairs in this sector
- LINEAPELLE
- MICAM Milano
- MOMAD, Salón Internacional de Moda, Calzado y Accesorios
- Pitti Immagine Uomo
- Première Vision Paris
- Techtextil
- Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris
What you need to know to export silk
Silk falls under Chapter 50 of the Harmonized System, which spans raw cocoons, processed silk yarn, and woven fabrics. The product code determines the export tariff, and tariffs vary by destination country and any trade agreements in force. Check the exact tariff rate in Access2Markets before quoting, using your product's 8-digit subheading and the buyer's country.
The United Kingdom imported 33.3 billion USD in silk products in 2025—more than all other countries combined. Italy and India follow as significant importers. Demand varies by product type: raw silk, yarn for industrial use, and finished fabrics each have different buyer bases and price points.
Silk exports require compliance with the buyer's standards. The European Union has rules for natural fiber labeling and certain chemical restrictions on dyed fabrics. Non-EU buyers may impose additional requirements: check the import regulations for your specific destination and product before shipping.
Quality and traceability matter in silk. Buyers often request test certificates for fiber quality, weight, and sometimes chemical residues. If you work with a supplier, ask for documentation that proves the fiber grade and origin. This is especially important for high-value yarn and woven goods.
Customs classification is not always obvious. If your silk product combines materials—say, silk yarn with synthetic thread—it may fall under a different chapter. Use the Harmonized System notes or ask the Spanish customs authority (AEAT) to classify your shipment before you commit to a buyer's order.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certificate to export silk from Spain?
It depends on the silk product and the destination. Raw cocoons and silk fibers destined for countries outside the EU may require phytosanitary certificates if the buyer's country imposes them. Finished silk yarn and fabrics within the EU move freely if they meet EU standards; outside the EU, the buyer's country may ask for origin certificates, test reports, or compliance declarations. Check with your buyer and the customs authority of the destination country before shipping.
What is the tariff rate for exporting silk yarn from Spain?
Tariff rates depend on the exact product subheading and the buyer's country. Spain exports under the Common External Tariff to non-EU destinations, and under the EU's free trade agreements to partner countries. Use Access2Markets to find the rate for your specific product code and destination: enter your 8-digit HS code and the country, and you will see the applied rate, any duty suspensions, and preferential rates if applicable.
Which countries buy the most silk?
The United Kingdom is the world's largest importer of silk products, with 33.3 billion USD in imports in 2025, followed by Italy with 344 million USD and India with 201 million USD. These figures include all silk products: raw fiber, yarn, and fabrics from all suppliers. Your market opportunity depends on your product type and the buyer segments you target, not on the total import volume.
How do I find buyers for silk products?
Trade fairs are a primary channel: Première Vision Paris and Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris attract international buyers and distributors in the fashion and textile sector. For raw materials and yarn, specialized fairs like Techtextil reach industrial buyers. After the fair, use licensed B2B databases to identify importers and distributors in your target countries, and contact them directly with your product samples and pricing.
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