According to a survey conducted by Smi-Ati and the Sezione Serica Italiana, Italian silk turnover has grown by 5% in 2007, going beyond € 1,5 billion. Relatively stable in volume, these sales should mean that Italian silk, like the rest of Made in Italy, has begun to move forwards top-of-the-range. A trend that should be confirmed in 2008.

The demand comes mainly from the interior market, in particular cloths for feminine apparel (+7,9% in value), with a predilection for natural fibres (+5,9% whereas synthetic fibres have lost more than 4 points).
Then come tie cloths (+0,3% in value and +1,9% in volume)and dyed yarns (+2,1% whereas printed ones have declined by 7%).
Cloths for feminine accessories (scarf, shawl, stole, bandana...) have slightly increased in value (+0,6%), more decreased in volume and have been rather sold abroad (+1,5%) than in Italy (-1,5%).

Source: Il Sole 24 Ore March 19th 2008