Beef and buffalo meat market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The beef and buffalo meat market in the GCC region expanded from 325 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 389 thousand tonnes in 2020, supported by a documented increase in beef and veal consumption across the member states. This growth occurred alongside a broader consumer shift toward perceived healthier white meats, though demand for red meat remained robust.

Consumption of beef continued to rise in 2021, pushing the market volume to 426 thousand tonnes. The following year saw further growth to 444 thousand tonnes, while the market value increased sharply to 2 463 million USD, reflecting higher prices or a change in product mix. By 2023, the physical volume retreated to 417 thousand tonnes, though the market's value held nearly steady at 2 451 million USD.

Recent developments highlight the sector's vitality, with GCC countries advancing in livestock production and trade. Strengthened supply chains, cultural and religious adherence to traditional red meat, and rising tourism in hubs like Dubai and Saudi Arabia have underpinned ongoing demand for beef in the region.

Production beef and buffalo meat in GCC

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

GCC's beef and buffalo meat production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 77 741 tonnes, marking a 1.3% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 69 253 tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.9% occurring that year. In contrast, the most significant increase was observed in 2019, when production surged by 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Beef and buffalo meat production in GCC has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 326.0 million US dollars, representing a 12.3% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 277.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2019, export volumes fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 16 times. In 2020, GCC's beef and buffalo meat export volume dropped to 31.2 thousand tonnes, a sharp decrease of 76.7% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 133.7 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a surge of 359.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical distribution of exports in kind was dominated by Iran, which accounted for 76.2% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 13.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, GCC exported 131 million US dollars worth of beef and buffalo meat, indicating a sharp decrease of 74.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 506 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 309.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran remained the primary destination for exports in value terms, capturing 75.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, beef and buffalo meat imports into GCC declined. In 2020, imports totaled 342.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a substantial decline of 15.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 20.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 404.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 37.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for imports in kind were Brazil, India, and Pakistan, which together accounted for 71.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat into GCC declined. In 2020, import value amounted to 1 621 million US dollars, constituting a decline of 14.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 22.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 7.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 902 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 30.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (27.1% of imports in value terms), India (18.7%), and Australia (15.1%) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.9% of total flows.

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

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