Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for beef, sheep, and goat fat in Sub-Saharan Africa increased from 307 thousand tons in 2018 to 330.2 thousand tons in 2023. This steady expansion saw production rise to 323.3 thousand tons, while imports declined from 19.3 thousand tons to 13.6 thousand tons, indicating a growing reliance on domestic output. The most significant annual growth occurred in 2023, when the market added 8.4 thousand tons.

By 2024, sector dynamics were influenced by higher gross income from sheep and goat products due to increased production and consumption. Consumer prices for fats and oils fell by 6.2%, making these products more affordable. Rising incomes and health awareness also shifted preferences towards leaner meats like goat, which affects the supply of animal fats as a by-product of meat processing.

Global demand for goat meat continued to rise, driven by health and cultural factors, impacting local markets. Regulatory inspections for carcasses and animal health standards remained key for market access, while supply chain factors such as feed costs and exchange rates influenced production costs and the availability of animal fats.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Beef, sheep, and goat fat production in Sub-Saharan Africa declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, output reached 300.9 K t, marking a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 304.9 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of beef, sheep, and goat fat production in Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded. In 2020, production was valued at 297.4 M $ US, representing a significant 27.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 233.0 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, beef, sheep, and goat fat exports from Sub-Saharan Africa totaled 4 497 t, showing a sharp decline of 38.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 319 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 40.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, Denmark, and Spain were the main markets for beef, sheep, and goat fat exports from Sub-Saharan Africa. China accounted for 2.1% of exports in kind, Denmark for 1.0%, and Spain for 0.9%. Together, these three countries represented 4.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, beef, sheep, and goat fat export shipments from Sub-Saharan Africa reached 4 443 K $ US, reflecting a 20.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 14.5%, with an annualized rate of 5.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 5 595 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 12.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Denmark, and Spain were the principal buyers of beef, sheep, and goat fat from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. China accounted for 2.0% of exports, Denmark for 0.8%, and Spain for 0.7%. Collectively, these three markets represented 3.5% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 17 870 t, with the largest annual decline of 70.8% occurring in 2018. By 2020, imports rebounded to 22 164 t, representing a 24.0% increase from 2019. The span from 2017 to 2019 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.7 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uruguay, the United States, and Argentina were the primary suppliers of beef, sheep, and goat fat to Sub-Saharan Africa. Uruguay accounted for 28.2% of imports in kind, the United States for 20.2%, and Argentina for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 63.3% of total import volumes.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of beef, sheep, and goat fat to Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 17 367 K $ US, showing a solid drop of 13.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 67.9%, with an average annual decline of 31.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Uruguay, and Australia remained the key partners for imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 24.9% of imports, Uruguay for 24.4%, and Australia for 20.4%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020