Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Brazilian market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins expanded, supported by improvements in cattle quality and early maturity through advances in genetics, feeding, and health management. Vertical expansion of livestock production without deforestation, along with the strong presence of large state-owned and private slaughter companies, further boosted output.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused temporary disruptions in supply chains and slaughter operations, leading to a decline in market volume. However, the adoption of strict sanitary protocols allowed production to continue and ensured worker safety.

The market rebounded strongly from 2022 onward, reaching a record volume of 905 thousand tonnes in 2023. This growth was driven by substantial increases in cattle slaughter, particularly of females after breeding cycles, alongside ongoing investments by major companies and cooperatives in slaughter capacity and technology.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Brazil ranked fourth globally in the production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from 2018 to 2021.

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

Brazil's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 745.6 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 4.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 6.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 821.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 2.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, when production decreased by 4.8%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018, while the highest was in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.4 times. In 2021, Brazil's cross-border shipments of raw bovine and equine hides and skins totaled 6 226 tonnes, representing a sharp year-over-year decline of 60.1%. The maximum export volume was reached in 2020 at 15 610 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 175.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Uruguay, Nigeria, and Thailand formed the core of Brazil's exports in kind, accounting for 30.4%, 26.4%, and 22.4% of total exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 79.2% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Brazil's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins amounted to 5 436 thousand US dollars, reflecting a robust gain of 12.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 744 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 6.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020, when exports rose by 75.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Uruguay, Hong Kong, and Thailand emerged as the main markets for Brazil's exports in value terms, contributing 27.6%, 19.8%, and 19.6% of total exports, respectively. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 67.1% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 46 152 tonnes, showing a sharp advance of 43.8% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 309.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 60.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Uruguay, the United States, and Argentina remained the key partners for Brazil's imports in kind, representing 40.5%, 28.0%, and 18.0% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 86.5% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2021, with a 3.1-fold shift. In 2021, Brazil's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins amounted to 50 609 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 190.6% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, when imports fell by 3.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Uruguay, and Argentina continued to be the main suppliers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Brazil in value terms, accounting for 51.8%, 26.3%, and 11.9% of total imports, respectively. Jointly, these three suppliers formed 90.0% of all import flows.

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

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