Beef and buffalo meat market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the beef and buffalo meat market in Oman grew steadily, with volume increasing from 29.7 thousand tons to 33.8 thousand tons, a 14% rise over four years. The market was initially characterized by heavy reliance on imports to meet domestic demand, supported by developing infrastructure that facilitated trade.

In 2022, market volume sharply declined by 23% to 26 thousand tons, primarily due to a drop in imports. Recovery followed in 2023, with volume reaching 27.9 thousand tons as production expanded. This growth was driven by the entry of global player JBS, which invested $150 million to build two plants for beef, lamb, and poultry production, aiming to boost local output and reduce import dependence as part of food security efforts.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Oman

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 Oman increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Oman produced 15 330 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, marking a 2.0% increase compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 11 260 tonnes, which represented a significant decline of 22.1% from the previous year. However, it rebounded sharply in 2019 with a 33.5% increase. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Oman

Exports in kind, t

The export market for beef and buffalo meat from Oman showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 542 tonnes, a sharp decline of 57.5% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 276 tonnes, following a substantial increase of 207.5% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Qatar, and Somalia were the key partners for Oman's beef and buffalo meat exports in kind. Iran accounted for 38.0% of exports, Qatar for 29.3%, and Somalia for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports fluctuated 2.9-fold between the low of 2017 and the high of 2018. In 2020, Oman exported beef and buffalo meat worth 1 985 thousand US dollars, down by 23.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 836 thousand US dollars, following a significant increase of 188.5% that year. However, exports declined by 32.8% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Qatar, and Somalia formed the core group of markets for Oman's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms. Iran contributed 34.9% of export value, Qatar 25.0%, and Somalia 19.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 79.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Oman

Imports in kind, t

Beef and buffalo meat imports into Oman declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 17 773 tonnes, a slight contraction of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Imports peaked in 2018 at 19 644 tonnes, with an 8.8% increase that year, but then fell by 8.1% in 2019.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan were the main suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Oman in kind. India accounted for 52.1% of imports, the United Arab Emirates for 24.7%, and Pakistan for 12.1%. Together, these three suppliers comprised 88.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Oman's imports of beef and buffalo meat in value terms reached 62 998 thousand US dollars, up by 5.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017–2020, imports increased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan continued to lead as the top suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Oman in value terms. India represented 41.4% of import value, the United Arab Emirates 27.7%, and Pakistan 12.7%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 81.8% of total imports.

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

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