Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fats in West Africa grew from 45,115 t in 2018 to 52,411 t in 2020. This expansion was followed by a contraction to 47,281 t in 2021.

The decline in 2021 was primarily driven by recurrent animal disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, which disrupted production and demand. Simultaneously, rising costs for energy and livestock feed squeezed producer profitability. In 2022, the market saw a modest recovery to 48,370 t, albeit under continued sanitary constraints and fluctuating demand linked to pandemic-related restrictions.

Market volume stabilized around 48,852 t in 2023. A key factor was the increased global availability of beef from South America and Australia, which heightened import competition. Furthermore, rapid urbanization and rising incomes in the region shifted consumer preferences toward greater meat consumption. Heading into 2024, the regional market was influenced by the opening of the Moroccan market to sheep and beef meats, affecting trade flows, while animal epidemics and climatic factors continued to constrain local herd sizes and production.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Western Africa

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

Western Africa's production of beef, sheep, or goat fat grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2020, production remained virtually unchanged at 45 544 tonnes compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 8.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 45 601 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3 781-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Western Africa exported 308 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, representing a dramatic increase of 377 980.1% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (51.5% of exports in kind), Denmark (23.9%), and Spain (23.0%) consistently held the top positions in Western Africa's export structure for this product category. Together, these three countries accounted for 98.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 7 553 times. In 2020, Western Africa exported 152 thousand US dollars worth of beef, sheep, or goat fat, marking a substantial increase of 755 204.7% year-over-year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, China (55.9% of exports in value terms), Denmark (21.3%), and Spain (19.9%) remained the leading destinations in Western Africa's export structure by value. These three countries collectively represented 97.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 20-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Western Africa imported 7 175 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, reflecting a significant increase of 61.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 500 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 95.1%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 77.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and Uruguay remained the key partner countries for imports in kind, together accounting for 83.5% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Western Africa's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 192 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid contraction of 19.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 85.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 47.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (40.9% of imports in value terms), Uruguay (28.4%), and Australia (24.3%) led the structure of imports by value. Together, these three countries represented 93.7% of total import flows.

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

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