Silk; raw silk (not thrown)

HS code 500200 covers raw silk, which is the unprocessed, natural fiber obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. The silk industry is a vital part of the global textile and apparel supply chain, providing a high-quality, natural fiber that is in demand for its unique luster, strength, and softness. Raw silk production is concentrated in a few key regions, making it an important export commodity for those economies.

The production of raw silk involves several key steps. First, silkworms are reared and fed a diet of mulberry leaves. As the worms mature, they spin cocoons made of a continuous silk filament. These cocoons are then boiled or steamed to kill the pupae inside, after which the silk filaments are unwound and processed into raw silk. The silk is then graded, sorted, and prepared for export or further processing into spun silk yarns and fabrics.

The primary inputs for raw silk production are the silkworms themselves, as well as the mulberry leaves that serve as their food source. Specialized equipment is also required, such as trays for rearing the worms, reeling machines for unwinding the silk filaments, and sorting/grading equipment. Labor is another key input, as the process involves significant manual work.

The main output of HS code 500200 is raw, unprocessed silk fiber. This raw silk is then consumed by other industries, such as 500300 Silk; silk waste, carded or combed and 500400 Silk; silk yarn, not put up for retail sale, which further process the silk into yarns, fabrics, and other textile products. Raw silk is an important input for the global apparel and textile manufacturing industry.