Camel meat and offal market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The camel meat market in Northern Africa began a steady expansion from 2018, with production rising from 194,000 tons to over 203,000 tons by 2019. This initial growth was supported by a significant increase in the regional camel herd, notably in Morocco where the number of heads grew from 140,000 to 171,000 between 2008 and 2018. The wider adoption of modern preservation techniques like vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging improved product shelf life and marketability. Concurrently, consumer interest grew as camel meat was increasingly recognized as a lean, therapeutic alternative to traditional red meats.

Market dynamics shifted in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, contributing to a period of stabilization in production volumes. However, underlying demand remained stable, particularly in arid regions where camel meat is a local staple. The subsequent surge in production to nearly 219,000 tons in 2021 was fueled by traders seeking new export markets in West African countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria, partly due to security risks in the Sahel. Climate change further reinforced the camel's value as a resilient source of meat adapted to dry conditions, supporting this growth phase.

Growth moderated after 2021, with production reaching 222,300 tons in 2023. The market was increasingly shaped by the dietary appeal of camel meat, prized for its leanness and high collagen content, which influenced consumer preferences across North Africa. Development in related sectors, such as camel milk production in Algeria, also sustained focus on the camelid sector, even as it faced infrastructure challenges like access to veterinary supplies and cold storage in remote areas.

Production camel meat and offal in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 203.3 K t of camel meat and offal, which remained virtually unchanged from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 194.0 K t, representing a 5.1% decline from 2019. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 5.1%.

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

Exports camel meat and offal from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2018 at 7 t, then fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 0.3 t, marking a 29-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's camel meat and offal exports decreased by 75.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 86.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Oman was the primary destination for camel meat and offal exports from Northern Africa, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The highest export value was observed in 2018 at 32 K $ US, while the lowest was in 2020 at 1 K $ US, reflecting a 31-fold gap. In 2020, camel meat and offal deliveries from Northern Africa amounted to 1 K $ US, showing a steep reduction of 74.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 87.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for exports in value terms was extremely narrow, with Oman alone responsible for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports camel meat and offal to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports peaked in 2019 at 1 011 t and fell to their minimum in 2017, showing a 3.3-fold variation. In 2020, Northern Africa imported a total of 896 t of camel meat and offal, which was an 11.4% reduction from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 213.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in kind was highly concentrated, with Australia alone accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports reached their maximum in 2019 at 4 657 K $ US and fell to their lowest point in 2017, with a fluctuation of 3.4 times. In 2020, Northern Africa imported a total of 4 234 K $ US of camel meat and offal, corresponding to a moderate decrease of 9.1% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 222.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia remained the dominant and almost sole destination for imports in value terms of camel meat and offal to Northern Africa, with a share of 100.0%.

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

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