Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of beef, sheep, and goat fat in Central Asia rose from 89.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 97.6 thousand tonnes in 2023, with market volume following a similar upward path from 90.0 to 99.0 thousand tonnes. This growth was primarily supported by a consistent expansion of cattle and sheep/goat herds, alongside government initiatives such as distributing pedigree bulls and subsidizing breeding stock, which increased the base for meat processing and fat output.

The establishment of new industrial feeding capacity and slaughterhouses, including a facility capable of processing 500 cattle and 2,000 sheep daily in 2018, provided critical infrastructure scaling. Subsequent annual herd growth exceeding 4% for cattle and small ruminants directly boosted production volumes as a by-product of increased meat slaughter.

After a slight contraction in 2019, output recovered and accelerated, reinforced by continued state support for livestock acquisition and a focus on pasture development. The market consistently expanded, reflecting the combined effect of herd growth, enhanced processing capabilities, and sustained domestic consumption of animal fats.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Central Asia

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

In Central Asia, production of beef, sheep, or goat fat reached 88 860 tonnes in 2020, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 89 635 tonnes. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 2.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 9.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of beef, sheep, or goat fat production in Central Asia stood at 110.2 million US dollars in 2020, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 0.9%. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 15.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.0%. The peak value was achieved in 2018 at 119.9 million US dollars. In 2019, the value experienced its largest drop of 8.9%, whereas the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 with a 26.0% surge.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of beef, sheep, or goat fat from Central Asia displayed significant volatility, reflecting an unstable market environment. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 59 tonnes, but then surged dramatically to 680 tonnes in 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 1,059.2%. The fluctuation between these years was substantial, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 11.6 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Azerbaijan were the primary destinations for exports in kind, together accounting for 69.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from Central Asia exhibited high volatility during this period. In 2019, export values reached their lowest point at 73 thousand US dollars, but rebounded sharply to 844 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a year-over-year increase of 1,057.1%. This swing represented an amplitude of 11.6 times between the peak and trough. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 28.3% decrease.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Russia and Azerbaijan dominated the export market in value terms, jointly representing 89.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of beef, sheep, or goat fat into Central Asia showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 468 tonnes, but then climbed to 1 435 tonnes in 2020, reflecting a 24.9% increase from the previous year. The fluctuation between these years was notable, with a 3.1-fold swing from peak to trough. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 45.9% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 145.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Denmark, and Belarus were significant but not dominant suppliers of beef, sheep, or goat fat to Central Asia in terms of volume. Russia accounted for 15.1% of imports in kind, Denmark for 14.7%, and Belarus for 14.5%, with their combined share reaching only 44.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values of beef, sheep, or goat fat into Central Asia experienced irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. In 2018, values bottomed out at 439 thousand US dollars, then rose to 1 247 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 33.9% increase from the previous year. This movement resulted in a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.8 times. The largest decline was in 2018 with a 28.9% decrease, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 112.1% rise.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, imports in value terms of beef, sheep, or goat fat to Central Asia were distributed across numerous markets. Denmark accounted for 16.2% of imports in value terms, Belarus for 15.8%, and Russia for 14.3%, with their combined share totaling only 46.4% of total flows.

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

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