Goat meat market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh, chilled, or frozen goat meat in Latin America and the Caribbean expanded from 121.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 132.0 thousand tons in 2023. Volume rose steadily initially, peaking at around 129.6 thousand tons in 2020 and 2021, before a slight dip in 2022 and a recovery the following year.

Consumer preferences increasingly shifted toward fresh goat meat due to its high nutritional value, including proteins, minerals, and vitamins. This global trend helped sustain demand in the region even during periods of minor market adjustment. The supply side was influenced by major exporting countries such as Australia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, which affected regional availability.

By 2024, several countries had launched goat breeding programs, adding approximately 8 million animals to strengthen future supply. Investments in cold chain logistics, including rapid-freezing plants and refrigerated warehouses, facilitated the growth of the frozen goat meat segment and improved trade connectivity. Urbanization and a growing middle class continued to shape domestic consumption patterns.

Production goat meat in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of goat meat, 2017-2020

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean produced 128.2 thousand tons of goat meat, showing only minimal variation from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8.5%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports goat meat from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The export market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Exports fluctuated dramatically, with a 96-fold difference between the 2019 peak and the 2020 low. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported just 2 tons of goat meat, representing a substantial 99.0% decline from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 229 tons, which marked an impressive 331.5% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam, Angola, and Oman consistently formed the core export markets for goat meat shipments. Vietnam accounted for 38.4% of exports, Angola for 9.7%, and Oman for 8.8%. Together, these three markets represented 56.9% of total export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values showed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The gap between the 2019 peak and 2020 trough was substantial, with a 36-fold difference. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported $17 thousand worth of goat meat, representing a sharp 97.2% decline from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at $609 thousand, which marked a significant 117.0% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, export values were distributed across numerous partner countries. Vietnam accounted for 26.0% of export value, Oman for 10.3%, and Angola for 10.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 46.3% of total export value flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports goat meat to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Goat meat imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The region imported 1 412 tons of goat meat that year, representing a moderate 4.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 41.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand consistently formed the primary sources for goat meat imports. Australia accounted for 61.8% of imports, the United States for 17.7%, and New Zealand for 8.2%. Together, these three markets supplied 87.8% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, goat meat imports into Latin America and the Caribbean totaled $9 622 thousand, representing a solid 13.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values declined by 34.1%, with a compound annual decrease of 13.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $8 586 thousand, which marked a substantial 41.2% decline that year. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when import values rose by 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia dominated the import market in value terms, accounting for 70.7% of total import flows. All other countries combined represented the remaining share of imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020