Beef, sheep or goat fat market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fats in South Africa remained around 109–110 thousand tons from 2018 to 2019, supported by increased interest in dairy goat and sheep breeding which bolstered livestock production. However, by 2020, the market contracted to 107.3 thousand tons amidst shifts in global demand for goat meat.

From 2021, developments in the animal feed industry reinforced beef and sheep sectors, indirectly supporting fat production and helping market volume recover to 108.2 thousand tons. The introduction of specified post-mortem inspection procedures for sheep and goat carcasses in 2022 enhanced quality control. By 2023, rising production costs driven by import tariffs on maize and feed inputs, combined with climate change and exchange rate fluctuations, contributed to a decline in market volume to 103.9 thousand tons.

Beyond 2023, factors such as biosecurity pressures and supply-demand imbalances continued to shape market conditions, with red meat prices facing upward pressure from export demand and input costs.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked 15th globally in the production of beef, sheep, or goat fat.

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2018-2021

Beef, sheep, or goat fat production in South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production stood at 103 368 t, remaining virtually unchanged from 2020. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 104 528 t. The largest decrease occurred in 2020, falling by 1.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After a two-year decline, beef, sheep, or goat fat production in South Africa increased in 2021. The output was valued at 77 223 K $ US, representing a 28.6% rise compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 60 061 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exported volumes of beef, sheep, or goat fat from South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 6 418 t, showing a gradual year-over-year decrease of 3.8%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 28.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.6%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 6 741 t, with the largest increase that year at 34.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini were the key partners for exports in kind. Mozambique accounted for 56.4% of exports, Zimbabwe for 20.6%, and Eswatini for 9.2%, together making up 86.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from South Africa amounted to 4 795 K $ US, marking a significant gain of 23.8% compared to 2020. Over the period 2018-2021, exports increased by 36.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini were the primary destinations for exports in value terms. Mozambique held a 39.4% share, Zimbabwe 27.7%, and Eswatini 14.6%, collectively accounting for 81.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa imported 11 289 t of beef, sheep, or goat fat in 2021, showing an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 10 557 t, while the highest was in 2019 at 12 164 t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Namibia were the principal sources for imports in kind. Argentina accounted for 46.9% of imports, Uruguay for 18.6%, and Namibia for 10.0%, jointly representing 75.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa's beef, sheep, or goat fat imports were recorded at 12 269 K $ US, up by 86.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was in 2020 at 6 572 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 18.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms for beef, sheep, or goat fat to South Africa. Argentina accounted for 46.2% of imports, Uruguay for 19.4%, and Brazil for 12.0%, with a combined share of 77.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021