Blog

Silk is a natural animal fiber obtained from different insects’ larvae. These insects use this special fiber to build cocoons. The cocoons of the larvae of bombyx mori species of silkworm produce the best quality silk. These fibers are woven to form a fabric. More than 60 countries in the world are known to produce silk. Silk production originated in China so undoubtedly, they are still the largest silk producers in the world. Other major silk producers include India, Korea, Iran, and Thailand.

It is considered to be a luxurious fabric due to its shine and smooth texture. It is mainly used for the manufacturing of clothes such as shirts, trousers, sarees, etc. Silk is also used in making different home décor furnishings and bedding. The construction of bicycle tires and parachutes uses woven silk fibers. Silk has many unique characteristics which set it apart from all other fabrics.

Characteristics of Silk

Here are some unique characteristics of silk which make it such a special fabric:

• Silk has good compatibility with dyes.
• It is composed of 80% protein called ‘’fibroin’’ and 20% sericin which is a silk gum.
• It is difficult for silk to get dirty as it has a slippery and smooth surface. Dirt does not stay on it and even if it gets dirty, it is removed by simple washing.
• Silk possesses good tensile strength.
• Silk has good absorbing properties, for this reason, it makes a comfortable cloth during summers and warmer in winters.
• It has great elasticity thus it can be stretched more than 10 to 20% of the original length.
• This fabric has moderate resistance to wrinkling and can retain its shape with ironing.

Types of Silk

There are numerous types of silk obtained from different varieties of silkworms. They differ in their qualities and features for making different types of garments. Here we have enlisted some common types of silk used worldwide.

• Charmeuse
• Chiffon
• Crêpe-de-chine
• Dupion Silk
• Georgette
• Habotai
• Organza
• Silk Satin
• Shantung
• Silk crêpe-backed satin
• Velvet

Top 10 Largest Silk Producing Countries in the World

The following table contains the list of the top ten largest silk-producing countries in the world along with their total production and production per person.

China

China is the largest raw silk and silk fabric producer in the world. The woven-on hand looms in China, where an abundant supply of cheap labor is available. The Si-Kiang and the Lower Yangtze, Kiang valleys are traditional sericulture areas and the homeland of silk manufacturing in China. This is why silk prices in China are relatively low compared to the international market.

According to the statistical survey of 2012, China produced 126000 million tons. China produces 60% of the world’s silk. It exports raw silk and fabrics to the U.S.A., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries. Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Canton are the main silk manufacturing cities in China.

India

India ranking 2nd among the leading sericulture countries has not only a time-honored silk tradition but a rich silk fauna. The process of making has been practiced in India since ancient times. India is an important silk-producing country. India is exporting different types of silk to various countries.

Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa are other states prominent in silk manufacturing. The first mill was established by “The East India Company” at Howrah in 1832 at present Karnataka is the premier producing state 52%.

Uzbekistan

For centuries Uzbek silk has been greatly valued throughout the world. Margilan silk is the famous silk type produced in Uzbekistan. Its worth was the same as gold and was a means of huge payments. In the second millennium BC, a ruler of Ferghana Valley was inspired by the silk products made in China. He wanted to make it in his country. So, he asked his subordinates to start manufacturing silk as the Chinese did. Since then, Uzbekistan has been producing silk fabrics, clothes, carpets, home decorations, and national souvenirs.

Uzbekistan is famous for producing natural silk. It has great characteristics as it is soft, smooth, and has a fine texture. Margilan is the largest center for silk production in the country. Two big factories are operating in the city, Yodgorlik, and Khan Atlas. Now Uzbekistan ranks as 3rd largest silk producer in the world due to its fine quality and great exports.

Iran

The sericultural activities have been taking place for more than 3000 years in Iran. The Persian carpet was the most famous silk product of Iran. The silk industry has been the source of income for many including children, women, and men of the rural communities. Iran is considered to be the first carpet weavers in the world however they have known to produce hand-woven scarves, crochet works, embroideries, and souvenirs.

Tehran is the head of Iran’s sericulture center. Almost 22 provinces of the country are active in silk farming but 96% of silkworm cultivation takes place in only seven provinces. Gilan constitutes 40% of silk production followed by Razavi Khorasan in northeastern Iran constitutes 30% of silk production.

Thailand

Thailand is known for many things and their silk industry is one of them. Thai silk is known all over the world for its fine quality. More than half a million households are involved in the silk industry. Thailand has a record annual production of 700 tons of native silk yarns, 16 tons of thrown silk yarns, and 3.5-4.5 million square meters of silk fabric. The production of high-quality patterned silk fabric and heavy-weight non-patterned fabric provides employment and income to many.

Ayutthaya is a city in Thailand that is well known for its highly skilled silk weavers and dyers. Other than that, Khorat is considered the center of the silk industry in Thailand. They are known for producing rose Thai silk. The traditional Thai silk is completely natural and unique, it cannot be duplicated by using commercial means.

Brazil

Brazil has always promoted sericulture as they rank as the 5th largest silk producer in the world. On a commercial scale, Brazil is considered to be the largest silk cocoon producer in the Western world. The economy of Brazil is supported by its textile industry. In the first half of 2019, the export of silk yards from Brazil was 311,000 tons. Most of the Brazilian silk is exported to Japan, Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Brazil’s main silk production center is mainly located in the north and northwest regions of Paraná. 84% of the total Brazilian silk production occurs at Paraná. There are almost 1867 small producers in 161 municipalities who are responsible for producing 2.47 tons of green cocoons. The area of this comprises 3.78 thousand hectares.

Vietnam

Vietnam has secured 7th place in the top ten largest silk-producing countries. The most popular type of Vietnamese silk is May silk. The silk industry manufactures many products but the most loved products include plain silk scarves, silk ties, silk textiles, and hand-painted and hand-embroidered scarves.

The two major silk-producing regions include Ha Dong and Bao Loc. Ha Dong is located in the city of Hanoi, it has many silk factories and workshops. Bao Loc is responsible for producing 80% of the country’s silk. A company called ”Vietnam Silk House” is located in this region. This company has partnered with many silk enterprises in the country to produce fine-quality of silk dresses.

Romania

Romania has had the sericulture tradition for quite some time now. Their sericulture tradition is known worldwide. The climate of Romania is favorable for the production of mulberry which leads to the production of silkworms. The importance of sericulture in Romania can be judged by their presence as the founding member of the International Sericultural Commission.

Romanian silk production has played an important role in domestic consumption as well as in exports. Romania exports silk mainly to Italy. In 2021, Romania earned $5.56M by exporting raw silk to Italy. The villages in the Oltenia region are famous for weaving silk and manufacturing Romanian blouses.

North Korea

The art of sericulture which was the specialty of China for over 5000 years spread to Korea around 200 BC. Korea established its silk industry soon after China and now ranks in the first ten largest silk-producing countries. The traditional Korean dress called Hanbok is partially or wholly made of silk. The silkworm pupae are also boiled and steamed to make a snack called beondegi which is quite famous in Korea.

The city of Jinju is considered to be the home of Korean silk. It covers 70% of the silk production of the country with 4 dyeing and 50 silk weaving companies. These companies have been producing silk for over 100 years and continue to do so.

Afghanistan

Apart from the agriculture industry, the sericulture industry has also been very important for the economy of Afghanistan. The silk business provides income to hundreds of women, who play a key role in rearing the mulberry leaves and maintaining the silkworms. Other than carpets and clothes, silk was used to make turbans and long-sleeved coats called Chapan. These silk turbans and Chapan are in great demand in Afghanistan.

Herat is the main center for silk production. Most of the silk products such as tents, handkerchiefs, etc. are manufactured here. During the 1960s, eight silk research centers were set up in the country. The Afghan silk fiber is better than Thai and Lao silk fibers and is used to make high-end fashion clothes and home decorations.

Largest Silk Exports by Country

The following table contains the list of countries with the largest silk exports in 2019.

Other Silk-Producing Countries

Conclusion

The culture of rearing the silkworms to obtain silk from them is called sericulture. This culture has been part of many countries but it originated from China, making them the world’s largest silk producers. Since then, many countries followed in China’s footsteps and have established their silk industry. Silk is a luxurious cloth with fine texture and shine. It is used in making different garments for summers and winters. It is also used in making different home décor items including carpets. The silk industry has boosted the economy of many countries including India, Thailand, Iran, Korea, etc. which are ranked among the top ten largest silk producers in the world.

The role of psychology in business is considerably great as Importance of Business psychology cannot be ignored in the contemporary field especially when psychology has developed itself as a science with its various branches to study the human mind and to work accordingly. Business Psychology is one of the main branches of psychology.

Different methods are used by psychologists to calculate data, to get information about a certain subject, to evaluate and then to use better strategies for a flourishing business.

The objectives of business psychology are diverse. It aims to study and understand work conditions, and applies desirable policies in the work field, communicate employee to make it better. So, the individuals work in a more effective manner and organizations can stabilize themselves in the market where competition is the part and parcel of life.

Uses of Psychology in Business

Psychology in business accommodates itself by managing, supporting and training employees. Business psychologists assist people to understand others, how they come in contact with technology, in making different types of advertising campaigns, in designing products which public demands. They work in a conducive way and adopt an impartial set of mind and suggest ways to workers to cope with many problems.

Most of the Multi-National Organizations interpret Importance of Psychology in Huma Resource Management, they hire Psychologist in HR department as HR team to perfectly conduct all Functions of Human Resource Management and achieve organizational long and short-term goals.

Research Methods in Business Psychology

Psychologists make use of a variety of methods regarding business.

Case Study Method

Of course, there are different types of business so business psychologists take into consideration a specific subject. Data is collected by them through different interviews, observations, and psychological tests. Also, the public develops a sense of ownership of the product when it is asked about the products which are to be promoted by a company. They feel being trusted by certain companies.

Survey Method

This method is quite advantageous as it provides a lot of information using inferential statistics and content analysis.

For example

A business psychologists design a questionnaire related to an advertisement for a product for which he wants to know whether the public will appreciate it or not. Hence questionnaires are distributed among public and so data is collected. He arranges the data with the aid of statistics and at last, comes to a conclusion.

Goals Achieved Through Psychology in Business

• Through the use of scientific research methods, psychologists try to discover new techniques to increase the rate of productivity.
• Business psychology tries to acknowledge the needs of employees.
• It works to create a better workplace where people feel motivated enough to work.
• It makes use of such policies which attract employees.
• Another goal of psychology is to design better products.
• It promotes healthy behaviour.

How Does Business Psychology Work?

There are different ways through which psychologists work.

Unbiased Attitude

Business Psychologists like professionals are not permitted to biased and prejudiced. So, they stay impartial and offer advice which is truly amenable.

Diagnostic Method

Psychologists in different industries help to solve different issues and affairs by using scientific research methods. Through these methods, they try to study mind processing of all the individuals at the workplace.

Comfortable Workplace Environment

Business psychologists assure that the working zone is kept tranquil so workers can perform best. As researches have proved that noisy work zone effects the minds of employees and they either feel depressed or agitated.

Problem-Solving

Employees are not motivated every time because of various psychological, economical and work-based problems. They help employees to solve disparate problems related to work.

Implementation

They not only offer the solution to problems but also suggest the way for implementation.

Assessment and Evaluation

By considering individuals individually, workplace environment, data management, and welfare, they work to designate the rejuvenating environment.

The iron and steel Industry of a country has a strong impact on the economy. It performs manufacturing functions of combining different metals to make Steel with most Iron. The industry history started back in the 1850s. Everything made of Iron or steel starts from here including HMS, LMS, Steel Billets, Railway lines, home construction materials, and daily use items.

Every country tries its best to produce as much as it can by using its resources. This industry is backed by iron ore and the most consumed product is coal to melt hard iron and reshapes it according to needs. It is the most recycled industry in the world. The iron and steel industry produced over 1628000000 tones in the world with recycling of 40-50% of production.

Types of Steel

Steel has many types and grades depending on its composition. Mostly it contains carbon and iron but there are varying quantities of other alloying elements. Here, we are going to discuss 4 major types of steel.

• Carbon Steel
• Tool Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Alloy Steel

Carbon Steel

This type of steel contains mainly carbon and iron, the other elements are only present in trace amounts. It is the most common type and constitutes 90% of the total steel production in the world. Carbon steel is cheaper than other types and for this reason, steel industries produce it in huge quantities. It is very frequently used in construction. Based on the amount of carbon present in it, carbon steel is further sub-classified into 3 types, these are:

• Low carbon steels/mild steels (up to 0.3% carbon)
• Medium carbon steels (0.3–0.6% carbon)
• High carbon steels (more than 0.6% carbon)

Tool Steel

As the name suggests, tool steel is used to make tools. It is used in making drilling and cutting equipment. Its composition includes cobalt, tungsten, vanadium, and molybdenum which makes this type of steel highly durable and heat resistant. They are the choice of steel to make hand tools as they have the capability of holding their shape even under heavy use.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is composed of 10–20% chromium, nickel, carbon, manganese, and silicon. They have the extraordinary ability to survive adverse weather conditions. For this reason, it is commonly used in outdoor construction. Stainless steel is also used in electrical devices, medical devices, food processing machinery, pipes, cutting equipment, and pressure vessels. 304 stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel that withstands harsh weather conditions and keeps electrical materials safe.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is made by the combination of many different alloying elements including manganese, silicon, nickel, boron, molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium. The presence of these various alloying elements increases the strength, toughness, hardness, and wearing resistance of alloy steel. Alloy steels are classified into two main types, low-alloy steels, and high-alloy steels. It is most commonly used to manufacture pipes, and heating elements such as toasters, pots, and other silverware.

Uses of Steel

Steel is very important in manufacturing different materials. Some of the common uses of steel are mentioned here:

• It is used in making vehicles and machines.
• It is used as cutlery material.
• Steel is used to make surgical implants.
• It is also utilized to make different packaging materials.
• Many household appliances like TV, sinks, fridge, oven, etc. are made of steel.
• It is also used in making weapons.
• Steel is used for architectural and infrastructural purposes.
• The solar, hydro, or wind power sources are composed of steel components.

Top 10 Steel Producing Countries in the World

The following table contains a list of the largest steel-producing countries in 2022, along with their global share in total steel production in the world.

China

China is the world’s largest steel producer. The history of iron and steel manufacturing in China is very old. The modern blast furnace was erected in 1980 in China. The first modem steel plant was constructed in Manchuria. The iron and steel centers in China are located in the Southern Manchurian region, Northern China and Yangtze Valley. But the Mukdon, Anshan, Shantung, Beijing, Shensi, Chungking, Shanghai, and Chilling Chen are the Main regions of China.

Chinese steel quality is better compared to the rest of the world. China Smelt 489.4 million metric tons of pig iron and 489.2 million metric tons of crude steel production by China. This is more than 1/3 production of the total crude steel manufactured in the world.

Major Steel Companies in China

The following list contains some major steel companies in China:

• China Steel Corporation
• Ansteel Group
• Nippon Steel Corporation
• Baowu
• ArcelorMittal
• Jianlong Steel
• Liuzhou Iron & Steel

India

India is the 2nd largest steel producer in the world with a record production of 124.8 million metric tons of steel in 2022. The history of the iron and steel industry in India started in 1907 when Tata Steel was established in Sakchi, Jamshedpur. India possesses big iron ore, coal, and limestone deposits, which give birth to rapid steel manufacturing. Jamshedpur, Burnpur, Bhadravati, Rourkela, Bhilai, Durgapur, and Bokaro are the main steel smelting, centers in India. Recently, India’s crude steel production was 53.1 million metric tons, while production of pig iron was 28.8 million metric tons.

Major Steel Companies in India

Major steel companies in India are:

• Tata Steel
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
• JSW Steel
• ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India
• Bhushan Steel
• Essar Steel
• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
• Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL)

Japan

Japan is the 3rd largest steel producer in the world. In 2022, Japan produced 89.2 million metric tons of steel. The growth of the Japanese steel industry is indeed a perplexing phenomenon. Japan secured a position in crude steel manufacturing. The latest technology adopted in the steel manufacturing process made Japan one of the leading steel-producing countries in the world.

The principal producing regions are Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Yamaguchi, Osaka, Kobe, Oka Yamaha, and Hokkaido. Japan smelted 120.2 million metric tons of crude steel and 86.8 million metric tons of pig iron. At present 13 steel mills are working in Japan, with a smelting capacity of more than 10 million metric tons each.

Major Steel Companies in Japan

A list of major steel companies in Japan is given below:

• Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
• Sumitomo Corporation
• Mitsui & Co., Ltd
• Aichi Steel
• Shagang Group
• Nakayama Steel Works
• Sadoshima Corporation

United States

The iron and steel industry in the USA is prominent in the world because of the abundance of raw materials in these regions. Due to this reason, it is the leading producer of Iron and Steel in the world. The United States stands in the 4th position as the largest producer of steel in the world.

The major iron and steel manufacturing regions in the U.S.A. are, Pittsburg, Youngstown, Wheeling and Steubenville, Lower Great Lake region, steel centers are located at Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Detroit, and Lorain. In the western region of California, Pueblo, Fontana, and Utah State Provo are also important steel centers. The United States enjoyed its supremacy in steel manufacturing from 1900 to 1969, but now it is the third largest steel manufacturer in the world. US steel production was 98.2 million metric tons and 36.2 million tons of pig iron in recent years.

Major Steel Companies in the United States of America

Here is a list of some main steel companies in the United States:

• ArcelorMittal
• Nucor Corp
• POSCO
• U.S. Steel
• Nippon Steel
• Cleveland-Cliffs
• King Steel Corporation
• JFE Steel Corporation

Russia

Russian Industry is the fifth largest iron and steel producer among all nations. The steel industry first took birth in the Moscow region some 300 years back. At present in Central Moscow, Tula region, Tula and Ghorki are the main steel centers. The Ural Mountains region is another main steel manufacturing region. Magnitogorsk is the biggest steel smelting center in this region, while Kuznetsk is another famous iron and steel center in the Ural region. Leningrad and Liyapaya are also steel smelting centers. During 2007, its crude steel production was 72.4 million metric tons and 51 million tons of pig iron.

Major Steel Companies in Russia

Some famous steel companies of steel in Russia are:

• Evraz
• Novolipetsk Steel
• Severstal PJSC
• Rusal
• Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company
• Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works

South Korea

South Korea has become one of the largest steel and pig iron manufacturing countries in the world market now; it is the 6th largest steel smelting country in the world. In 2022, they produced 65.9 million metric tons of steel and contributed 3.5% of the global share of steel production in the world. Korea is the big importer of iron ore in the international market. Cluing Hong, Pusan, Masan, and Seoul are important manufacturing centers in South Korea. Crude steel and pig iron production in South Korea were 51.5 and 29.4 million metric tons.

Major Steel Companies in South Korea

The major steel companies in South Korea include:

• Dongkuk Steel
• KG Steel
• POSCO
• Hyundai Steel
• Seah Steel Holdings

Germany

Germany is ranked number 7th in the list of largest steel producers in the world. In 1990, after the reunification of East and West Germany, the country became one of the major steel manufacturing countries in the world. Most of Germany’s steel output comes from the Great Ruhr industrial Region. The vast coal deposits of Ruhr Valley, Upper Silesia, Lansing, and Erg bury have provided excellent opportunities to develop the steel industry. Crude steel production was 48.6 million metric tons, while it produced more than 31 million metric tons of pig iron.

Major Steel Companies in Germany

Following are some famous steel companies in Germany:

• Otto Wolff
• Ferrostaal
• Dillinger Hütte
• German Steel Trust
• Hoesch AG
• Reichswerke Hermann Göring

Turkey

Turkey is the 8th largest steel producer in the world and the 1st largest in Europe with the production of over 35.1 million metric tons in 2022. There are 26 electric arc furnace mill plants in the country. Turkey exports its steel mainly to North America and the Middle East. Their exports to North America increased by 53.2% in 2020.

The largest steel-producing areas in Turkey are:

• Marmara production area (capacity: 15.2 million tons),
• Aegean production area (capacity: 11.3 million tons),
• Mediterranean production area (production capacity: 16.7 million tons),
• Black Sea production area (capacity: 8.3 million tons).

Major Steel Industries in Turkey

The following are major steel industries in Turkey:

• Iskenderun Iron and Steel Co. Inc.
• Eregli Iron and Steel Factories TAS
• Icdac Celik Energy Shipyard and Transportation Industry Inc.
• Colakoglu Metallurgy A.S.
• Toscelik Profile and Sheet Industry Inc.
• Borcelik Celik San

Brazil

Brazil stands at the 9th position of the world’s largest steel producer. The development of the steel industry in Brazil is spectacular and since 1973, production of steel has witnessed a more than 300% increase. Consumption of steel, within Brazil, is low; therefore, it exports huge amounts of steel to the international market.

Most of the industry is located around Sao-Pulo and Caramba. Santa Catarina is another steel manufacturing center in Brazil. Brazil possesses huge amounts of iron ore near Minus Geraes. Brazil produced 33.6 million tons of crude steel and 35.6 million metric tons of pig iron.

Major Steel Companies in Brazil

Here is a list of major steel industries in Brazil:

• Aço Verde do Brasil
• Aperam
• ArcelorMittal
• Gerdau
• Sinobras
• Ternium
• Usiminas
• Vallourec

Iran

Iran ranks 10th position in the list of the world’s largest steel-producing countries. During World War II Iran’s steel industry faced major consequences but two decades after, they brought up the idea of establishing a steel plant as the demand for steel products increased. In 2022, Iran managed to produce 30.6 million metric tons of steel. There has been an 8% increase in crude steel production by Iran in 2022. Most of Iran’s steel factories are located in Esfahan, Yazd, and Kerman provinces.

Major Steel Companies in Iran

The following list contains major steel companies in Iran:

• Esfahan Steel Company
• Khorasan Steel
• Mobarakeh Steel Company
• Saba Foulad Zagros

Other Major Steel-Producing Countries in the World

Here are some other major countries with large steel industries along with their total steel production in million tons in 2022 and their global share in the world.

Conclusion

Steel is an alloy of mainly iron and carbon. It may also contain other alloying elements such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese, etc. Steel is used in manufacturing many things such as automobiles, construction materials, cutlery, machinery, and other industrial equipment. Steel is classified into different types depending upon its classification. These types are stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel, and carbon steel. Almost 64 countries in the world produce steel now however the ten largest steel-producing countries include China, India, Japan, the United States, Russia, South Korea, Germany, Turkey, Brazil, and Iran.