Prepared or preserved beef and offal market in Melanesia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for prepared beef and offal in Melanesia expanded from 1 030 tonnes to 1 429 tonnes. This growth occurred alongside government calls to boost domestic livestock production and reduce reliance on imports. In 2020, the state allocated K190 million to agricultural programs and formulated a national sector plan, supporting the commercialization of local commodities. Earlier, the industry had faced significant challenges, described as a state of collapse, with high costs for imported meat and a need for revived cattle ranches.

The market volume fluctuated after 2020, peaking at 1 805 tonnes in 2022. This surge was driven by concerted government action, including urgent development of a National Livestock Policy, direct financial support for abattoir rehabilitation, and backing for community-based livestock initiatives aimed at rural empowerment and meeting growing consumer demand for affordable meat. Despite domestic production rising to 1 356 tonnes in 2023, a sharp increase in exports and lower imports resulted in the total market volume contracting to 1 253 tonnes that year.

Production prepared or preserved beef and offal in Melanesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved beef and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved beef and offal, 2017-2020

Melanesia's production of prepared or preserved beef and offal rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the region produced 900.0 t, marking a significant 50.0% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 600.0 t, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 30.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Melanesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

For the second year in a row, Melanesia saw an increase in the value of its prepared or preserved beef and offal production. In 2020, output reached 18 957 K $ US, reflecting a substantial 66.7% year-over-year gain. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 38.3%, averaging an 11.4% annualized increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 060 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.3% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Melanesia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports prepared or preserved beef and offal from Melanesia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with a 2.5-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Melanesia exported 994 t of prepared or preserved beef and offal, representing a sharp 108.2% increase compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 477 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 58.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the structure of exports in kind revealed a highly diversified set of trading partners. New Zealand accounted for 17.4% of exports, Samoa for 5.8%, and Kiribati for 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 25.6% of total export flows, while the remaining 74.4% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Melanesia's prepared or preserved beef and offal exports increased in value. In 2020, exports reached 6 289 K $ US, showing a sudden 42.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 412 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. New Zealand accounted for 17.4% of export value, Samoa for 4.6%, and Kiribati for 2.2%. Combined, these three partners represented only 24.2% of total flows, while the remaining 75.8% was distributed among numerous smaller countries.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved beef and offal to Melanesia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Melanesia's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal totaled 1 523 t, indicating an abrupt 27.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 196 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 527 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 21.7% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. New Zealand accounted for 30.3% of imports, Australia for 5.5%, and Denmark for 4.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 40.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Melanesia's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal increased in value. In 2020, imports reached 7 539 K $ US, showing a robust 19.2% improvement from 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 6 322 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.8% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark were the principal sources for imports in value terms. New Zealand accounted for 28.3% of import value, Australia for 6.7%, and Denmark for 4.9%. Together, these three countries represented 39.8% of total import flows.

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

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