Beef and buffalo meat market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

The Ivorian beef market expanded from 22 352 t in 2018 to 37 745 t in 2023, with production rising steadily from 21 605 t to over 36 000 t. Early market dynamics were shaped by government interventions aimed at securing supply and stabilizing prices. In 2018, the government's ban on commercial transhumance affected the transport and marketing of cattle, influencing domestic market conditions. A significant shift occurred in 2020 when the commissioning of the new Port-Bouët slaughterhouse and an increase in slaughter taxes contributed to a rise in beef prices. The following year, in response to an energy crisis and price surges, the government imposed maximum price ceilings for beef in the Abidjan district to protect consumer purchasing power, which also coincided with reported meat shortages in some regional markets due to the high cost and scarcity of cattle.

A pivotal transformation began in 2022, when beef production jumped by over 58% to 35 825 t, propelling the total market volume to 36 450 t. This surge was supported by underlying growth in meat consumption per capita, driven by rapid urbanization and rising incomes, which increased demand. Concurrently, challenges in the poultry sector, including production cost hikes and avian influenza outbreaks, may have bolstered the relative competitiveness of beef. By 2023, sustained demand led to a further market increase to 37 745 t, with beef imports valued at $64.5 million highlighting a growing appetite for quality meat that local production, covering only a third of needs, could not fully meet. Market activity was accompanied by authorities monitoring and sanctioning butchers in response to price hikes for boneless beef in Abidjan, reaching up to 4 000 CFA/kg.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

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

Côte d'Ivoire's beef and buffalo meat production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 22 326 tons, marking a 1.6% rise from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 21 605 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 5.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.7% growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the highest in 2018, representing a two-fold difference. In 2020, beef and buffalo meat exports from Côte d'Ivoire totaled 22.9 tons, a sharp 16.0% decrease from 2019. The peak was reached in 2018 at 43.3 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 96.0%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 37.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Israel and Morocco were the most significant contributors to Côte d'Ivoire's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms, together accounting for 3.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, beef and buffalo meat exports from Côte d'Ivoire generated 116 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 100 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 43.1%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 175 thousand US dollars, marking the most significant increase of 47.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Israel played a central role in Côte d'Ivoire's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms, accounting for 2.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

The import market exhibited volatility during these years. Volumes fluctuated considerably, with the lowest point in 2017 and the peak in 2019, showing a 2.2-fold difference. In 2020, beef and buffalo meat imports to Côte d'Ivoire amounted to 828.5 tons, a notable 14.3% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 967.0 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 83.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, India, and France were the primary sources of beef and buffalo meat imports to Côte d'Ivoire in volume terms. Brazil accounted for 47.9% of imports, India for 15.6%, and France for 10.3%, together comprising 73.8% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, beef and buffalo meat imports to Côte d'Ivoire declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 2 632 thousand US dollars, a solid 13.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 63.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 17.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 038 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 53.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, France, and Spain accounted for the largest share of beef and buffalo meat imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value terms. Brazil contributed 30.0%, France 20.3%, and Spain 10.8%, together comprising 61.0% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020