Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for beef, sheep, and goat fats was influenced by underlying shifts in livestock populations. A growing goat herd, while cattle and sheep numbers contracted, provided a base for fat production. The emergence of dairy goats and sheep as a healthy dairy alternative during this period opened new product segments, contributing to market expansion. This was followed by a phase of relative stabilization in market volume.

The market grew to over 406 thousand tonnes in 2021, supported by developments in the animal feed industry which classified beef and sheep feed as a major category, helping to manage production costs. International price patterns, exchange rates, and trade policies also influenced the red meat value chain, affecting related markets. However, in 2022, a reported 3.7% decrease in sheep, lamb, and goat meat production directly reduced the raw material supply for fats, leading to a temporary contraction in the overall market size.

By 2023, external factors including climate change and exchange rate fluctuations continued to shape market trends. Supply-demand gaps for sheep and goat meat persisted, potentially supporting local prices and production incentives. The period concluded with the market volume recovering to 406 thousand tonnes, reflecting these combined influences on supply and demand dynamics.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

Beef, sheep, and goat fat production in Africa declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 370.5 K t, marking a slight year-on-year decrease of 1.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 375.2 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.2%.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Africa exported 4 497 t of beef, sheep, and goat fat, reflecting an abrupt decline of 39.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 478 t, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 43.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Denmark, and Spain were the main destinations for Africa's beef, sheep, and goat fat exports in kind. China accounted for 2.1% of exports, Denmark for 1.0%, and Spain for 0.9%, together absorbing 4.0% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Africa exported 4 443 K $ US of beef, sheep, and goat fat in 2020, down by 21.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 14.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 654 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Denmark, and Spain were the primary markets for Africa's beef, sheep, and goat fat exports in value terms. China represented 2.0% of exports, Denmark 0.8%, and Spain 0.7%, together accounting for 3.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Africa's imports of beef, sheep, and goat fat in kind increased in 2020. Imports totaled 32 362 t, corresponding to a small rise of 1.0% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 55.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 32 362 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 54.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Uruguay, and Argentina formed the core group of markets for Africa's beef, sheep, and goat fat imports in kind. The United States accounted for 37.8% of imports, Uruguay for 21.2%, and Argentina for 11.2%, together representing 70.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Africa's beef, sheep, and goat fat imports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 26 193 K $ US, representing a substantial decrease of 16.7% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 56.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 24.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Uruguay, and Australia formed the core group of markets for Africa's beef, sheep, and goat fat imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 40.4% of imports, Uruguay for 18.8%, and Australia for 15.9%, together representing 75.0% of total import flows.

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

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