Dolph Lundgren wrote the script before Cưỡng Đoạt (2008) came out or was produced, after he had read a newspaper article on human trafficking.
When asked to co-star with Tony Jaa in the unfinished Thai western Ai Noom Gangnam, Dolph Lundgren made a deal with Jaa in 2013 to be in Skin Trade: Mang doi mang (2014) as his American movie debut in exchange.
Ron Perlman signed up to star in the picture because he was interested in being in a Tony Jaa picture. Perlman also stated he has been a fan of Dolph since Rocky IV.
Dolph Lundgren has 2 daughters and while researching and filming he became deeply involved with the CAST organization, a non profit group for rescued slave victims. Dolph stated he would find himself getting emotional on set due to the film's content.
Dolph Lundgren first wrote the script in 2006-2007 and intended to direct the film himself before deciding to let somebody else take the helm so he could focus on the producing duties. He looked for a director, first considering John Hyams to take the reigns while polishing the script, then choosing Thai art-house and stage director Ekachai Uekrongtham after seeing his film Beautiful Boxer (2003).