Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Armenia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for beef, sheep, and goat fats in Armenia remained stable, with volumes fluctuating around 2 600 t. This period saw ongoing government support programs for sheep farming, including subsidies for animal acquisition, which helped sustain domestic production. The organization of agricultural animal auctions by the National Agrarian University in 2019 improved market transparency, while the development of a mandatory animal registration and identification system in 2020 aimed to formalize the market and enhance traceability.

The market surged to 2 927 t in 2021, driven primarily by a spike in imports to 316 t. This increase coincided with shifting consumer preferences towards ecological and responsibly produced goods, which raised demand. Concurrent investments by the government and private sector in production improvement and new market segments further supported this expansion. However, in 2022, the market contracted sharply to 2 459 t as imports plummeted to 24 t. This downturn was influenced by regional trade dynamics, including the impact of the free trade agreement with Iran, and the implementation of tighter legislative changes regarding animal registration, identification, and welfare.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 2 408 t. State efforts continued to focus on collecting detailed livestock statistics and advancing animal welfare, including progress on the law for responsible treatment of animals. Moving forward, the market is being shaped by growth in livestock exports to Iran and the anticipated comprehensive agricultural census, which will provide finer data for market planning.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Armenia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Armenia's production of beef, sheep, or goat fat increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, production reached 2 576 tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 566 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018 at 2.7%.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Armenia

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Armenia exported 34 373 kilograms of beef, sheep, or goat fat, marking a 27.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Lebanon, and Georgia were the primary buyers of Armenian beef, sheep, or goat fat, accounting for 100% of total exports in volume. Russia led with 44.0% of exports, followed by Lebanon at 30.0%, and Georgia at 26.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Armenia's cross-border shipments of beef, sheep, or goat fat amounted to 26.4 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 171.8% year-over-year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon, Russia, and Georgia together absorbed 100% of Armenia's beef, sheep, or goat fat exports by value. Lebanon accounted for 50.9% of exports, Russia for 26.9%, and Georgia for 22.2%, making them the main export destinations.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Armenia

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes of beef, sheep, or goat fat into Armenia showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. The lowest import level was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a 12.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 48 270 kilograms, down 20.0% from 2019. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2018 at 608.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Belarus dominated Armenia's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in volume, jointly accounting for 93.6% of total flows, with other markets contributing minimal shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Armenia's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat by value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 109.3 thousand US dollars, up 85.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 2 082%, with an average annual growth rate of 179.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia and Belarus were the core markets for Armenia's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat by value, jointly representing 93.3% of total flows, while other destinations had relatively modest shares.

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

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