Silk; yarn (other than yarn spun from silk waste), not put up for retail sale

HS code 500400 covers the trade of silk yarn, excluding yarn spun from silk waste, that is not packaged for retail sale. This industry plays a vital role in the global textile and apparel supply chain, providing a high-quality natural fiber that is prized for its luster, softness, and durability. Silk production is an important economic activity, particularly in regions with a long history of sericulture, such as China, India, and Italy.

The production of silk yarn involves several key steps. First, silk cocoons are harvested from silkworms, and the silk fibers are carefully unwound and reeled. The individual silk filaments are then twisted together to form silk yarn. Depending on the desired characteristics, the yarn may undergo additional processing, such as dyeing, weighting, or finishing, before being woven or knitted into fabrics.

The primary input for the silk yarn industry is the raw silk fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons. Other key inputs include specialized machinery for reeling, twisting, and processing the silk, as well as dyes, chemicals, and other materials used in finishing the yarn. The industry also relies on a skilled workforce, particularly in regions with a long tradition of sericulture and silk production.

The primary output of HS code 500400 is silk yarn, which is then consumed by the 500700 Woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste and 500800 Woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste industries to produce a wide range of silk-based textiles and apparel products. Silk yarn may also be used in the production of 580610 Narrow woven fabrics of silk or silk waste and other specialized textile applications.