Prepared or preserved beef and offal market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for prepared beef and offal in Zimbabwe experienced some volatility. In 2018, the sector faced a contraction in meat processing capacity utilization, which fell to 30% from 60% in July due to rising production costs and challenges in procuring raw materials, constraining production growth. The following year, total market volume declined to 4 395 t, primarily because imports ceased entirely, while domestic production saw a minor increase. The market recovered to 4 537 t in 2020, partially due to a resumption of imports, even as the broader livestock sector navigated the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of consistent expansion. Production surged to 4 889 t in 2021, lifting the total market volume to 4 905 t. This upward trend continued in 2022, driven by concerted industry and government efforts to transform the livestock sector. Key initiatives included a national goal to build a US$25 billion livestock industry by 2030 and a strategic focus on adding value and enhancing exports to access the growing global meat market. These ambitions, coupled with a significant 183% increase in cattle prices reflecting market shifts and investment in improved cattle finishing practices, supported a rise in production to 5 020 t and market volume to 5 088 t. Growth continued at a steadier pace, with the market reaching 5 205 t in 2023.

Production prepared or preserved beef and offal in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Zimbabwe ranked 24th globally in production volume of prepared or preserved beef and offal during the 2017-2020 period.

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

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

Zimbabwe's production of prepared or preserved beef and offal declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 4 395 tonnes, followed by a slight decrease to 4 392 tonnes in 2020, showing only marginal year-over-year fluctuation. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 2.1%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved beef and offal from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Zimbabwe's exports of prepared or preserved beef and offal amounted to 0.3 tonnes, showing little change compared to 2018. Over the 2017-2019 period, exports grew by 61.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique and Malawi formed a duopoly in Zimbabwe's exports of prepared or preserved beef and offal, together accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, Zimbabwe's exports of prepared or preserved beef and offal were valued at 1 000 US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Malawi and Mozambique dominated Zimbabwe's export value of prepared or preserved beef and offal, jointly representing 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved beef and offal to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Zimbabwe's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal totaled 145.4 tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 44.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 76.8%, with an average annual decline of 38.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia and South Africa dominated Zimbabwe's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal, together accounting for 99.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Zimbabwe's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal reached 408 000 US dollars, marking a significant drop of 39.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 74.8%, with an average annual decrease of 36.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia consistently represented 86.2% of Zimbabwe's total import value of prepared or preserved beef and offal, indicating high market concentration, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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