Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Australian market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins expanded by 10% to 154.6 thousand tons, aided by increased domestic production. This growth occurred amid a global oversupply that drastically reduced hide prices by 50–90% by mid-2019, with environmental regulations in China closing small tanneries and dampening export demand. Some Australian producers responded by stockpiling salted hides due to the low-price environment.

The market volume then fell by 23% in 2020 to 119.3 thousand tons as worldwide supply chain disruptions, including those from the COVID-19 pandemic, hindered production and trade. A further decline in 2021 brought the market to 103.8 thousand tons, though industry efforts emphasized sustainability and traceability. By 2022–2023, a recovery took hold, with volume reaching 123.1 thousand tons in 2023, supported by the emergence of new product segments such as semi-processed hides and ongoing adherence to biosecurity and animal welfare standards.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Australia was one of the world's top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from 2018 to 2021, ranking 8th globally by production volume.

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

Australia's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 219.7 K t, marking a significant decrease of 10.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 18%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 282.1 K t, with the largest increase that year at 5.3%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2020, when production decreased by 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Australia

Exports in kind, K t

Australia's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 119.6 K t, down 8.8% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports declined by 8.7%, averaging an annualized decrease of 3.0%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 132.2 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 0.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China was the primary destination for Australia's raw bovine and equine hides and skins exports, accounting for 85.0% of the total volume. The remaining share was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Australia's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in monetary terms rebounded in 2021, totaling 164.4 M $ US, a 36.6% increase from 2020. However, over the full period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 34%, with an annualized decline of 12.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 120.3 M $ US, while the largest drop occurred in 2019, falling by 31.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China remained the leading destination for Australia's raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms, making up 86.9% of total exports. Other markets played a much smaller role.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Australia

Imports in kind, K t

Australia's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports were 3.8 K t, a 5.3% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 3.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 4.6 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 25.5%. The most significant decline was in 2020, dropping by 13.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand and China were the main suppliers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Australia, together accounting for 98.6% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Australia's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in monetary terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 3.1 M $ US, down 3.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 3.3 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 18.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, New Zealand and China dominated as suppliers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Australia in value terms, together holding 97.2% of total imports. Other partners contributed minimally.

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

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