What countries produce silk?

The main silk-producing countries include China, India, Uzbekistan, Brazil and Japan. Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Iran are also major silk producers, and the global production of silk occurs in more than 60 countries.

Asia is the predominant base of silk production. The work is labor-intensive and employs nearly a million workers in China alone. China takes the lead in silk production globally, producing 130,000 metric tons in 2013. The world's second-leading producer is India, and its industry employs about 8 million people. Silk production is noted for its ability to keep rural populations employed, which reduces the migration into urban centers.