Goat meat market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. goat meat market expanded from 23 899 tons in 2018 to 27 378 tons in 2019, driven by the entry of new players specializing in fresh and frozen products and a shift in consumer preferences toward premium cuts and organic options. Digital platforms for direct sales gained traction, facilitating market access. Investments in cold chain infrastructure and mechanized slaughter systems by state-influenced and private companies further supported production efficiency and distribution capabilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely disrupted global supply chains, reducing import availability and logistics, which led to a sharp market contraction to 18 849 tons. However, consumer behavior shifted toward online purchasing and home consumption, boosting demand for frozen products. By 2021, the market recovered to 27 633 tons, supported by growing demand for halal-certified goat meat from specific communities, despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

The market reached a peak of 29 613 tons in 2022, supported by health-conscious consumption trends and improved logistics infrastructure. A significant decline followed in 2023, bringing the market to 19 559 tons. Subsequent developments included the inauguration of the MEDLOG cold storage plant in Georgia in 2024, enhancing cold chain capabilities, alongside increased reliance on digital sales platforms.

Production goat meat in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of goat meat, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, goat meat production in the United States declined in 2020. That year, the country produced 9 206 tonnes of goat meat, marking a 7.5% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually increased by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The peak production occurred in 2019, reaching 9 955 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports goat meat from the United States

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the United States exported 157 tonnes of goat meat, representing a significant 65.9% drop from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 62.7%, with an average annual decline of 28.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 459 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.5% during that period.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and Mexico were the leading destinations for U.S. goat meat exports in volume terms. The Cayman Islands accounted for 36.8% of exports, Antigua and Barbuda for 19.5%, and Mexico for 8.6%. Together, these three markets represented 64.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

U.S. goat meat exports in value terms declined for the second year in a row in 2020. That year, exports totaled 0.4 million U.S. dollars, reflecting a steep 62.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 66.3%, with an average annual decline of 30.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1.3 million U.S. dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 19.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands emerged as the primary markets for U.S. goat meat exports in value terms. The Cayman Islands held a 37.2% share, Antigua and Barbuda 14.9%, and the British Virgin Islands 8.2%. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 60.3% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports goat meat to the United States

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the United States imported 78.2 thousand tonnes of goat meat, marking a dramatic 45.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 53.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 22.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the dominant source for goat meat imports into the United States, accounting for 93.6% of total imports in volume terms.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of goat meat imports into the United States reached 78.2 million U.S. dollars, reflecting a sharp 43.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 47%, with an average annual drop of 19.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 39.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia overwhelmingly dominated U.S. goat meat imports in value terms, accounting for 93.7% of the total.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020