Beef and buffalo meat market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the South African beef market grew from 2.6 million tons in 2018 to nearly 3 million tons in 2023. Initial recovery was supported by improved pasture conditions after earlier droughts, which aided herd rebuilding. A key driver from 2021 was the industry's evolution from a highly regulated to a more deregulated environment, stimulating operational efficiency and market growth.

Despite challenges including foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and an electricity crisis that increased production costs, government initiatives such as the Land Development Support Programme promoted sustainable production among small-scale farmers. Furthermore, industry downsizing in some segments created opportunities for new players, while ongoing improvements in genetics and breeding strategies contributed to a significant 6.5% volume increase in 2023.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia lifted a 21-year ban on South African beef exports, opening a major new market, while China maintained restrictions due to foot-and-mouth disease cases. New meat labelling regulations were introduced to enhance consumer transparency, and industry investments focused on traceability and biosecurity to strengthen the market foundation.

Production beef and buffalo meat in SADC

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

After two years of growth, beef and buffalo meat production in SADC declined. In 2020, production remained virtually unchanged from 2019, with 2,690 thousand tons produced. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.9%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2,697 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Beef and buffalo meat production in SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at $14,565 million, representing a significant 16.8% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 29%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at $24,082 million, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.4%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 27.3%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from SADC

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat from SADC stood at 41,188 tons, representing a 7.2% contraction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 35,438 tons, which also saw the largest annual decline of 21.1%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of beef and buffalo meat exports remained highly diversified. China accounted for 13.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 9.2%, and the Netherlands for 7.9%. Together, these three markets represented just 30.5% of total export flows, while numerous smaller markets accounted for the remaining 69.5%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

SADC's beef and buffalo meat export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled $194.7 million, marking a 15.7% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 30.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 11.3%.

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

The market base for beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. China accounted for 12.4% of export value, the Netherlands for 10.4%, and the United Kingdom for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 33.2% of total export flows, while numerous other markets accounted for the remaining 66.8%.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Beef and buffalo meat imports into SADC declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 19,617 tons, down 43.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 77%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 38.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for beef and buffalo meat imports was balanced rather than concentrated. Brazil accounted for 23.0% of imports, India for 21.3%, and Australia for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented 48.3% of total import flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 51.7%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat into SADC declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, SADC imported approximately $81.9 million worth of beef and buffalo meat, marking an abrupt 44.1% year-over-year decline. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 62%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 27.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, beef and buffalo meat was supplied to SADC from many different markets. Even the largest destinations — Brazil, India, and Australia — together represented only 42.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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