Beef and buffalo meat market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, beef and buffalo meat production in Mozambique grew from 13 884 t to 15 102 t. This increase was supported by the launch of a 5 760 t per year feed factory in Cuamba and private investments exceeding $50 million in processing and export infrastructure in Zambézia, which enhanced animal nutrition and production capacity. The government's increased budget for agriculture in 2019 further bolstered the livestock sector. In 2020, a temporary suspension of beef imports from Brazil created an opportunity for domestic producers to expand their market share, while a revision of customs tariffs aimed to improve meat quality and incentivize local production.

Production surged by 17.7% in 2021 to 17 781 t, with the livestock sector demonstrating dynamism through cattle auctions that generated over two million meticais. The following year, output exceeded 20 000 t, growing 13%, as producers capitalized on the ban on meat imports from South Africa. This import restriction encouraged local supply, and productivity was boosted by the distribution of 55 heads of improved Brahman cattle to small farmers in Gaza to enhance herd quality and meat yields.

By 2023, production reached 21 136 t, and the national cattle herd expanded to 2.2 million heads. Continued efforts to improve pasture conditions and the distribution of enhanced cattle breeds, such as 230 heads delivered to Maputo, focused on increasing both the volume and quality of beef. Market size grew consistently throughout the period, reaching 24 093 t in 2023, as rising domestic output steadily met consumer demand.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Mozambique

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

Beef and buffalo meat production in Mozambique has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Mozambique produced 15,102 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, marking a 1.6% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 2.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 13,884 tonnes, when output fell by 10.1%—the largest drop in this timeframe. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant increase, with production growing by 7.1%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

Mozambique's beef and buffalo meat exports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 3 tonnes, representing an 8.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 775.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 106.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Singapore consistently led Mozambique's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms. The UAE accounted for 25.1% of exports, South Africa for 23.4%, and Singapore for 14.1%. Together, these three countries made up 62.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Beef and buffalo meat exports from Mozambique have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 77,000 US dollars, a substantial year-on-year increase of 120.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, export value expanded by 2,485.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 195.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the Marshall Islands were consistently the top destinations for Mozambique's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms. The UAE held a 55.6% share, South Africa 20.3%, and the Marshall Islands 8.7%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 84.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Mozambique imported 2,066 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, a robust 14.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, imports declined by 5.2%, averaging an annualized decrease of 1.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 1,807 tonnes, when imports fell by 33.5%—the sharpest decline in this period. Conversely, 2018 saw the highest import level at 2,717 tonnes, with a notable increase of 24.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated Mozambique's beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms, capturing 76.4% of total flows. All other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Mozambique's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms amounted to 9,898,000 US dollars, showing a substantial 14.0% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 9.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8,679,000 US dollars, when imports dropped by 28.3%. In contrast, 2018 saw the highest value at 12,099,000 US dollars, with imports surging by 34.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of beef and buffalo meat to Mozambique in value terms were heavily concentrated in South Africa, which accounted for 91.3% of the total.

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

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