Beef, sheep or goat fat market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The South African market for beef, sheep, and goat fats grew from 175.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 188.3 thousand tons in 2023, with production increasing from 162.4 to 181.6 thousand tons over the same period. Supply in 2018 was tempered by lower sheep slaughter numbers as herds were rebuilt after droughts and disease outbreaks, which initially limited output.

The industry's scale was supported by an established infrastructure of approximately 430 abattoirs slaughtering cattle, pigs, and sheep annually, providing a foundation for processing capacity. Ongoing improvements in genetics, breeding strategies, and farm management practices enhanced productivity, particularly in the cattle and sheep sectors.

Market volume experienced a slight dip in 2019 but resumed growth thereafter, driven by rising domestic production. Consumer demand remained steady, underpinned by cultural and religious preferences for sheep and goat meat, which helped sustain consumption levels.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in SADC

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

After two years of growth, SADC's production volume of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined. In 2020, the region produced 163.7 thousand tons, marking a slight decrease of 1.5% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 166.2 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 2.3% also occurring that year.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the analyzed period. Export volumes peaked in 2019 and then fell to their lowest point in 2020, representing a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC exported 4 188 tons of beef, sheep, or goat fat, which is 42.8% lower than in 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 319 tons, with the largest increase of 73.7% also occurring that year.

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

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, K $ US

In 2020, SADC exported 4 291 thousand US dollars worth of beef, sheep, or goat fat, corresponding to a year-over-year decrease of 23.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 5 595 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase of 27.2% also occurred in 2019.

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

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, sheep or goat fat to SADC

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, SADC's volume of beef, sheep, or goat fat imports stood at 14 989 tons, which is 11.7% higher than in 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 424 tons, while the maximum was in 2018 at 16 829 tons. The largest decline in imports occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia were the main sources for SADC's imports in kind. Argentina accounted for 28.3% of imports, Uruguay for 16.8%, and Australia for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 56.7% of total import flows during this period.

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, K $ US

Beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 11 174 thousand US dollars, which is 10.2% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.8%. The maximum import value was recorded in 2018 at 13 634 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 12.2% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia were the primary suppliers of beef, sheep, or goat fat to SADC in value terms. Argentina contributed 28.7% of import value, Uruguay 18.2%, and Australia 14.2%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 61.1% of total imports by value over this timeframe.

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

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