Beef, sheep or goat fat market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for beef, sheep, and goat fats in the MENA region saw significant volume and value shifts between 2018 and 2023. Market volume, measured in thousand tons, declined from 198.8 in 2018 to 183.8 in 2020, then jumped sharply to 226.9 in 2021. It dipped slightly to 215.4 in 2022 before recovering to 219.3 in 2023. In value terms, the market demonstrated overall growth from $176.3 million in 2018 to $250.5 million in 2023, despite yearly fluctuations.

The strong market rebound from 2020 was primarily fueled by substantial government investments in agricultural development projects across the region. For example, Egypt invested around $2.73 billion in 2022 to boost agricultural production, which directly enhanced the supply chain for animal fats. This was coupled with rising consumer demand for high-quality animal protein sources, driven by ongoing urbanization and population growth, which sustained consumption levels.

Evolving regulations and distribution channels also shaped the market landscape. Changes in food safety legislation, including a focus on adopting European hygiene standards for edible animal fats, affected production protocols. Furthermore, the rapid growth of e-commerce in key markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE expanded and modernized distribution channels for meat and fat products, improving market access.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in MENA

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

Following two years of decline, beef, sheep, and goat fat production in the MENA region has rebounded. In 2020, production reached 188.6 thousand tons, marking a 4.7% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 11.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.9%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 180.1 thousand tons produced, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 9.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

For the third year in a row, the value of beef, sheep, and goat fat production in the MENA region has risen. In 2020, output was valued at 182.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 3.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of beef, sheep, and goat fat from the MENA region have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 29 265 tons, up 36.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 39.6%, averaging an 11.8% compound annual growth rate. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 015 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 14.0% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan dominated the export structure in volume terms, accounting for 85.5% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

For the second year running, the value of beef, sheep, and goat fat exports from the MENA region has grown. In 2020, exports were valued at 28 357 thousand US dollars, a sharp 35.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value surged by 72.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 16 107 thousand US dollars, which also experienced a slight decline of 1.8% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan was the clear leader in export value for beef, sheep, and goat fat from the MENA region, capturing 78.8% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to MENA

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of beef, sheep, and goat fat into the MENA region declined. In 2020, import volume fell to 24 448 tons, down 19.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 57.5%, averaging a 16.3% annualized growth rate. The peak was in 2019 with 30 410 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, when imports jumped by 52.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Poland, and Paraguay were the top sources for imports of beef, sheep, and goat fat into the MENA region by volume. The United States accounted for 47.3% of imports, Poland for 8.9%, and Paraguay for 8.4%, together making up 64.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of beef, sheep, and goat fat imports into the MENA region dropped. In 2020, imports were valued at 23 972 thousand US dollars, a strong 14.0% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value still rose by 23%, averaging a 7.1% annualized growth rate. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 23 972 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 22.0% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Poland, and Brazil formed the main cluster for import value of beef, sheep, and goat fat into the MENA region. The United States held 44.9% of imports, Poland 8.0%, and Brazil 7.4%, collectively accounting for 60.4% of total flows.

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

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