Beef and buffalo meat market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Azerbaijan's beef and buffalo meat production increased from 135.6 thousand tons to 145.0 thousand tons, supported by state agricultural policies. The market volume grew to 152.7 thousand tons in 2020 as beef imports rose by 17.6% in the first ten months, adding supply. In 2021, production expanded due to focused recovery of livestock breeding in post-conflict regions and food security measures, while global meat prices surged by 12.7%, influencing local market conditions.

Between 2022 and 2025, production rose further to 152.8 thousand tons by 2023 despite a slight decline in cattle and sheep herds, aided by policies targeting domestic demand. Imports rebounded sharply in 2023, reaching 8.2 thousand tons, partly due to inflows of live animals from Russia. Self-sufficiency for beef reached 88.5% in 2024, but persistent inflation and higher logistics costs kept prices elevated. Retail trade growth indicated robust demand, and by 2025, market availability emphasized quality meat amid ongoing global inflationary pressures.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

Azerbaijan's beef and buffalo meat production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 145.0 thousand tons, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 6.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume occurred in 2018, while the highest was recorded in 2019, with a staggering 977-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, Azerbaijan's cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat reached 1 ton, showing a modest 6.3% improvement from the year before. The largest decline was seen in 2020, with a drop of 99.0%, whereas the most significant increase happened in 2019, soaring by 97 592.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the export market was highly concentrated, with Vietnam alone accounting for 97.9% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest export value was in 2018, and the peak was reached in 2019, with a 131-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 5 thousand US dollars worth of beef and buffalo meat, representing a sharp 92.2% increase compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 91.7%, while the most substantial rise was in 2019, with a jump of 12 981.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Vietnam remained the primary destination for Azerbaijan's beef and buffalo meat exports, making up 80.0% of total export value, while other markets played much smaller roles.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Azerbaijan's imports of beef and buffalo meat declined. In 2021, imports totaled 5 426 tons, indicating a sharp 43.4% reduction from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 34.3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 13.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 9 582 tons, with the largest increase that year at 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Ukraine dominated Azerbaijan's import structure in volume terms, holding a 72.8% share of total flows, while other countries had relatively modest contributions.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of improvement, Azerbaijan's imports of beef and buffalo meat in value terms declined. In 2021, imports reached 21 727 thousand US dollars, which is 40.3% lower year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 13.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 4.6%. The peak value was in 2020 at 36 380 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 31.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine clearly dominated Azerbaijan's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms, accounting for 73.6% of total flows, with other countries each holding significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021