Goat meat market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The goat meat market in the MENA region showed a general upward trend from 2018 to 2021. After a slight dip to 371.1 thousand tons in 2019, market volume recovered to 394.9 thousand tons in 2020 and continued growing to 407.5 thousand tons in 2021.

Growth persisted in the following years, with the market reaching 411.0 thousand tons in 2022, partly supported by rising global health consciousness that increased demand for lean protein sources like goat meat. By 2023, volume expanded further to 431.9 thousand tons. In 2024, consumption in the region was reported at 538 thousand tons, driven by intensified cold-chain investments in Saudi Arabia that enabled wider distribution, the expansion of digital retail channels improving consumer access, and government health campaigns promoting healthier meat choices. Additionally, major players like Almarai strengthened their market position through vertical integration, controlling feed, breeding, and distribution.

Production goat meat in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of goat meat, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of decline, goat meat production in the MENA region rebounded in 2020. The region produced 376.7 thousand tons of goat meat that year, marking a solid 7.6% increase from 2019. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 350.0 thousand tons, while the most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 5.1% decrease.

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

Exports goat meat from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The export market for goat meat from MENA experienced considerable volatility during this period. Export volumes fluctuated dramatically, showing a 9.3-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018. In 2020, MENA exported 504 tons of goat meat, representing a sharp 66.5% decline compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 161 tons, while exports peaked in 2019 at 1 503 tons. The most substantial year-over-year increase occurred in 2019 with an 832.9% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA's goat meat exports reached a diverse range of trading partners. Brazil accounted for 7.1% of these exports by volume, Australia for 2.3%, and the United States for 1.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 10.7% of total export flows, indicating a relatively fragmented market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values displayed irregular patterns, reflecting the market's volatile nature. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2017 was substantial, with values varying by a factor of 4.2. In 2020, goat meat exports from MENA generated 3.0 million US dollars, representing a 37.8% decrease from the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 4.8 million US dollars, while the most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 with a 238.0% jump.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the United States, and Australia emerged as the leading destinations for MENA's goat meat exports by value. Brazil accounted for 3.4% of export value, the United States for 3.3%, and Australia for 1.7%. Together, these three markets comprised 8.4% of total export flows, highlighting the distributed nature of the region's export markets.

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

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

Imports goat meat to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Goat meat imports into the MENA region declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Import volumes reached 18 758 tons that year, representing a significant 17.1% decrease from 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 29.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 11.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Australia dominated MENA's goat meat imports by volume. Ethiopia supplied 38.5% of imports, Kenya contributed 28.7%, and Australia accounted for 5.1%. Together, these three countries represented 72.3% of total import volumes, establishing them as the primary sources of goat meat for the MENA region.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of goat meat imports into MENA declined for the third straight year in 2020. The region imported approximately 112.3 million US dollars worth of goat meat that year, representing an 11.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values fell by 17.3%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Australia formed the core group of suppliers for MENA's goat meat imports by value. Ethiopia accounted for 44.0% of import value, Kenya for 31.8%, and Australia for 4.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.1% of total import flows, demonstrating their dominant position in the region's import market.

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

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