Goat meat market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese goat meat market has been consistently influenced by stringent packaging and labeling regulations for chilled or frozen portions, which ensured product quality and traceability. Traditional offerings, particularly the Cabrito Transmontano DOP produced from native breeds in specific regions, gained value through protected geographical indications, reinforcing market differentiation and consumer trust over the period.

Market volume experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After initial stability, it grew by 11.8% to 3 205 t in 2020, a rise that coincided with heightened global awareness of goat meat's nutritional benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. A subsequent contraction of 16.5% to 2 675 t occurred in 2021, followed by a recovery to 3 201 t in 2022 even as rising living costs began to pressure consumer spending on meat. The period concluded with a sharp 20.6% decline to 2 542 t in 2023.

Production goat meat in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of goat meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of goat meat, 2018-2021

In 2021, Portugal produced 1 250 tonnes of goat meat, marking a 14.7% increase compared to 2020. Production reached its lowest point in 2020 at 1 090 tonnes, which represented a 7.6% decline. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production grew by 6.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports goat meat from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2019, goat meat exports from Portugal hit their lowest level at 29 tonnes, with a decline of 13.3%. By 2021, exports surged to 95 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 107.3% compared to the previous year. Between these years, export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 3.3-fold difference between the high in 2021 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal exported goat meat to a wide range of markets, resulting in a highly diversified trade structure. Even the top destinations—France, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for only 44.1% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 196 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 19.3%. By 2021, exports peaked at 591 thousand US dollars, showing a 72.3% increase compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 75.2%. Overall, there was a 3-fold gap between the peak in 2021 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. The top three destinations—France (24.5% of exports in value), the United Kingdom (13.2%), and Switzerland (11.0%)—together made up only 48.7% of total flows. The remaining 51.3% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports goat meat to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal imported 1 520 tonnes of goat meat, representing a 29.7% reduction compared to the previous year. Imports peaked in 2020 at 2 161 tonnes, with a significant increase of 25.9%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 11.9%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, France (39.2% of imports in volume), Spain (27.2%), and Greece (20.9%) remained the key partners for Portugal's goat meat imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 87.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Portugal's goat meat import volume declined. In 2021, imports stood at 12 168 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 17.5% fall compared to 2020. Imports reached their highest level in 2020 at 14 755 thousand US dollars, with an increase of 26.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 10.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, France (40.9% of imports in value), Greece (24.5%), and Spain (21.8%) were the main sources for Portugal's goat meat imports. Together, these three countries absorbed 87.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021