Fresh or chilled sheep meat including lamb market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian fresh lamb market volume fluctuated between 6.1 and 8.1 thousand tons from 2018 to 2022. It rose by 21% to 8 143 t in 2019, then dropped by 16% to 6 854 t in 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions disrupted logistics and reduced food service demand. State subsidies for sheep farming helped maintain domestic production during this period.

After a further decline to 6 107 t in 2021, the market recovered to 6 733 t in 2022. This rebound was supported by the development of new large-scale production projects in regions like Tyumen and Sverdlovsk, which expanded output capacity. The government also introduced a duty-free import quota for lamb in 2022 to stabilize supply.

In 2023 and 2024, the industry saw significant regulatory and structural changes. Mandatory labeling for meat products under the 'Honest MARK' system took effect in March 2024, requiring processors to adapt their operations. Exports to China and the UAE grew, while production in small household farms declined, shifting the market toward larger commercial operations.

Production fresh or chilled sheep meat including lamb in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Russia's production of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 6 970 tonnes, marking a significant 30.2% drop compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 564 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 68.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports fresh or chilled sheep meat including lamb from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed considerable volatility during this period. From a peak in 2018 to a low in 2020, exports varied by a factor of 499. In 2020, Russia exported just 10 tonnes of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, representing a dramatic 99.5% decrease from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 837 tonnes, with the largest annual increase that year reaching 3 105.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia's exports of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, were heavily concentrated on Iran, which accounted for 99.8% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values displayed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. They peaked in 2018 before falling to their lowest point in 2020—a difference of 527 times. In 2020, Russia exported fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, worth 48 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 99.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 25 433 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 3 110.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia's exports of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, in value terms were highly concentrated on Iran, which represented 99.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled sheep meat including lamb to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes followed an unstable trend over this period. They reached their highest level in 2019 before dropping to a minimum in 2020, a 4.4-fold decrease. In 2020, Russia imported 31 tonnes of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, a sharp 77.3% decline from the year before. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 135 tonnes, with the largest annual increase that year at 168.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Kazakhstan were the dominant sources of Russia's imports of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, in volume terms. New Zealand accounted for 54.6% of total imports, while Kazakhstan represented 40.1%, together making up 94.7% of the total. Other partners supplied the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's imports of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 749 thousand US dollars, a 34.6% decrease from 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 49.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the leading supplier of fresh or chilled sheep meat, including lamb, to Russia in value terms, accounting for 80.7% of total imports. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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