Beef and buffalo meat market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the beef and buffalo meat market volume in Bangladesh grew from 205.2 thousand tonnes to 212.4 thousand tonnes. This increase was driven by the rapid expansion of buffalo fattening technologies, which boosted meat availability, and a rise in buffalo meat imports as India only permitted buffalo meat shipments. The global upward trend in beef demand also supported the market. In 2020, the market volume stabilized at 212.7 thousand tonnes as the COVID-19 pandemic reduced direct sales at livestock markets but accelerated the shift to online trading, maintaining a balance between supply and demand.

The market expanded further to 218.9 thousand tonnes in 2021, fueled by the continued growth of online livestock sales that improved consumer access. However, in 2022 volume edged down to 217.9 thousand tonnes as domestic production outpaced demand, creating a supply-demand imbalance. A sharp contraction occurred in 2023, with market volume falling to 210.3 thousand tonnes, largely due to imports dropping to zero. At the same time, rising fuel and energy costs increased expenses, while demand shifted toward packaged frozen buffalo meat for the hotel and restaurant segment.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Bangladesh's beef and buffalo meat production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 206.1 thousand tons, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 0.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh exported 77 tons of beef and buffalo meat, up 17.4% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 89 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling 26.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging 94.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Maldives accounted for 74.3% of total exports in volume, with the remaining share distributed among many other countries, each with smaller individual portions.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit a low in 2017 and a high in 2018, with a two-fold variation. In 2020, Bangladesh's beef and buffalo meat exports amounted to 329 thousand US dollars, down 19.3% from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 530 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping 23.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising 97.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Maldives dominated the export partner structure in value terms, holding a 76.6% share of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports were at their lowest in 2017 and reached their highest in 2019, varying by a factor of 10.5. In 2020, Bangladesh imported 6 673 tons of beef and buffalo meat, a 12.7% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 644 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2019, jumping 281.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India was the primary partner for imports in volume, accounting for 94.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Bangladesh's beef and buffalo meat imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 21 260 thousand US dollars, marking a modest rise of 5.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 948.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 118.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India dominated the import partner structure in value terms, with an 84.1% share of total flows, while other markets had comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020