Beef and buffalo meat market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef and buffalo meat in Middle Africa began at 856.0 thousand tonnes in 2018, then contracted to 819.4 thousand tonnes in 2019. A recovery followed in 2020, with volume rising to 829.9 thousand tonnes, a shift influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic which altered consumption patterns and boosted demand for meat for home preparation.

Growth accelerated from 2021 onward, driven by broader global factors. In 2021, volume reached 864.7 thousand tonnes amid rising global beef prices fueled by higher feed and energy costs, as well as robust demand in importing nations. The expansion continued to 902.3 thousand tonnes in 2022, aligning with a worldwide increase in beef production, particularly within developing countries. By 2023, the market volume rose further to 945.8 thousand tonnes, supported by a relaxation in the global market as key exporters like Australia and Argentina boosted supply, enhancing availability.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Middle Africa

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

In Middle Africa, beef and buffalo meat production reached 811.6 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 813.2 thousand tonnes. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 2.9%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 3.9% rise.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 5.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 2 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, representing a 53.4% year-on-year decrease. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 81.1% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 117.9% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated beef and buffalo meat exports from Middle Africa. France accounted for 20.2% of exports in kind, Spain for 13.6%, and Namibia for 8.8%, together making up 42.6% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, beef and buffalo meat exports from Middle Africa stood at 0.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.8% year-on-year reduction. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 36.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 56.7% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 55.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, France, and the Bahamas were the main buyers of beef and buffalo meat from Middle Africa in value terms. Spain accounted for 37.0% of exports, France for 14.6%, and the Bahamas for 12.5%, together comprising 64.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Beef and buffalo meat imports into Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 18 356 tonnes, which is 39.1% less than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 79.3%, with an average annual decline rate of 40.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Brazil, and South Africa consistently led the country structure of beef and buffalo meat imports into Middle Africa in kind. India accounted for 39.0% of imports, Brazil for 31.6%, and South Africa for 6.0%, jointly representing 76.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Beef and buffalo meat imports into Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 58.5 million US dollars, showing a dramatic drop of 42.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 65%, with an average annual decline rate of 29.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Brazil, and Italy remained the principal suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Middle Africa in value terms. India accounted for 34.6% of imports, Brazil for 27.0%, and Italy for 7.9%, together making up 69.5% of total import value.

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

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