Beef and buffalo meat market in Mali

Earlier Report Observations

Mali's beef and buffalo meat market volume grew from 51 441 t in 2018 to 71 254 t in 2020, driven by the country's large cattle herd of over 12 million head and strong regional demand from neighbors like Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, which stimulated domestic production.

After a decline to 55 831 t in 2021, the market recovered to 59 298 t in 2022 and stabilized at 59 465 t in 2023. This recovery was supported by government-led projects launched in 2021 to improve meat production, including cooperation with Brazil to enhance quality for export, and the implementation of the agricultural Marshall Plan 2022-2024, which aimed to strengthen livestock productivity and processing.

In 2024, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries organized promotional cattle sales to provide affordable meat access during Ramadan, while discussions on closing livestock markets in Bamako indicated ongoing adjustments in distribution channels.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Mali

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

Mali's beef and buffalo meat production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 71 252 tonnes, marking a significant 30.6% gain compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 38.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 51 260 tonnes, with the largest decline that year being 0.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Mali's beef and buffalo meat production value rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 284.2 million US dollars, representing a substantial 30.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value surged by 70.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.5%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Mali

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Mali's beef and buffalo meat exports increased in 2020. Exports reached 59.8 tonnes, showing an 8.8% uptick from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 63%, with a compound annual decline rate of 28.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 55.0 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 58.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal remained the dominant export destination for Mali's beef and buffalo meat in volume terms, accounting for 88.7% of total flows. The remaining exports were fragmented across other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year drop, Mali's beef and buffalo meat export values increased in 2020. Exports totaled 239 thousand US dollars, up 8.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values decreased by 54.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 23.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 220 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 53.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal effectively monopolized Mali's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms, capturing 91.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Mali

Imports in kind, t

Mali's beef and buffalo meat imports showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 610.0 tonnes and fell to a low of 61.7 tonnes in 2020, representing a 9.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 61.7 tonnes, which is 89.9% less than in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 145.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium were the principal suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Mali in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 35.0% of imports, Spain for 23.0%, and Belgium for 21.0%, together making up 79.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Mali's beef and buffalo meat import values were characterized by volatility during these years. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 457 thousand US dollars, dropping to a minimum of 266 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 9.2-fold variation. In 2020, import values reached 266 thousand US dollars, down 89.2% year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 145.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium remained the largest sources of Mali's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 80.5% of total flows.

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

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