Beef and buffalo meat market in Jamaica

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Jamaica's beef and buffalo meat market volume grew from 8 871 t to 12 107 t, with domestic production increasing from 5 677 t to 7 805 t. Imports fluctuated during this period, contributing to a temporary drop in total market size to 8 185 t in 2020 before a sustained recovery.

The rise in production was bolstered by initiatives to enhance local livestock farming. For example, the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival in November 2022 promoted awareness and provided educational experiences for young farmers, supporting output growth to 7 697 t in 2022 and further to 7 805 t in 2023.

By 2024, imports had surged to 6 414 t, indicating continued strong demand within the market.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Jamaica

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

Jamaica's beef and buffalo meat production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 937 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Jamaica

Exports in kind, t

The export market displayed notable volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 2 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 23 tonnes, resulting in a 12-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Jamaica exported 8 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, marking a substantial increase of 347.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 91.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 861.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, the United States, and Saint Lucia were the primary destinations for beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms. New Zealand accounted for 53.7% of exports, the United States for 19.9%, and Saint Lucia for 18.2%. Together, these three countries represented 91.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms was characterized by volatility over these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 12.3-fold variation between these two years. In 2020, beef and buffalo meat exports from Jamaica amounted to 76 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic increase of 425.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 96 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 84.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 1 130.9%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and the United States dominated the export market in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.9% of total flows. Other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Jamaica

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Jamaica's beef and buffalo meat import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 2 256 tonnes, representing a decrease of 35.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 25.6%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 476 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Costa Rica, and Panama were the main sources for beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms. The United States contributed 43.3% of imports, Costa Rica 22.1%, and Panama 13.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, Jamaica's beef and buffalo meat import value declined. In 2020, imports reached 9 924 thousand US dollars, indicating a 52.6% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 41.4%, with an average annual decline of 16.3%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 20 937 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 13.3%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States, Costa Rica, and Panama held the largest shares of beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 61.2% of imports, Costa Rica for 17.0%, and Panama for 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 86.3% of total import flows.

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

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