Goat meat market in GCC, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The goat meat market in the GCC region showed consistent growth from 131.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 146.1 thousand tons in 2020. After a period of stabilization with a minor contraction to 142.1 thousand tons by 2022, the market volume surged sharply to 165.7 thousand tons in 2023.

This significant increase in 2023 was primarily driven by the expansion of breeding programs across several countries, which added millions of animals to national herds to enhance domestic supply. Concurrent investments in cold-chain infrastructure, mechanized slaughtering systems, and export certifications improved processing efficiency and market access, enabling higher production volumes.

Underlying these shifts, consumer preference for fresh goat meat maintained its dominant market share, while global demand for halal meat and the emergence of premium cuts provided additional stimulus to the market's expansion.

Production goat meat in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of goat meat, 2017-2020

Goat meat production in the GCC has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 128.0 thousand tons of goat meat, marking a solid 9.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

Exports goat meat from GCC

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 647 tons and hit their lowest point in 2017, creating a 2.1-fold difference between the two years. In 2020, goat meat exports from the GCC reached 500 tons, up 23.3% from 2019. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 37.3% decrease, while the largest surge was in 2018, with a 114.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, goat meat exports from the GCC were spread across various partner countries. Iraq accounted for 9.5% of exports, Brazil for 7.3%, and Australia for 1.9%. Together, these three countries made up just 18.7% of total export volumes, indicating a highly diversified trade pattern.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed considerable volatility in these years. Export values swung widely, with the high in 2019 being 4.4 times greater than the low in 2017. In 2020, goat meat exports from the GCC totaled 3.0 million US dollars, a 35.2% drop from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 4.6 million US dollars, and the most substantial increase happened in 2018, with a 259.6% jump.

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

The value-based export structure from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad range of trading partners. Iraq contributed 12.8% of export value, Brazil 3.5%, and the United States 3.3%. Combined, these three countries represented only 19.7% of total flows, while the remaining 80.3% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports goat meat to GCC

Imports in kind, t

Goat meat imports into the GCC have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 18 593 tons, a sharp 17.8% decline year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 30.3%, with an average annual decrease of 11.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets dominated goat meat imports into the GCC: Ethiopia, Kenya, and Australia. Together, they accounted for 72.8% of total import volumes, highlighting their central role in the region's supply.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Goat meat import values into the GCC have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 111.1 million US dollars, down 12.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import values fell by 17.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Australia remained the primary suppliers of goat meat to the GCC in value terms. Ethiopia accounted for 44.3% of import value, Kenya for 32.0%, and Australia for 4.4%. Collectively, these three countries made up 80.7% of total import value, underscoring their significant market share.

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

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