Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Eastern Africa increased from 369.5 thousand tons to 431.4 thousand tons, while market volume grew from 363.5 thousand tons to 418.6 thousand tons. This expansion was initially supported by the opening of a new tannery in Athi-River in 2018, which increased demand for raw materials, and by quality improvement initiatives led by the Kenya Leather Development Council to enhance the value of hides and skins. However, the market faced persistent challenges from illegal exports of raw hides, which reduced availability for local processors.

After a modest decline in 2020, production recovered and grew steadily through 2022, aided by training programs for flayers that improved skin quality and reduced waste. The most pronounced growth occurred in 2023 when the government reduced the export levy on raw hides from 80% to 50%, triggering a 470% surge in dry hide exports. This policy shift made exporting raw materials more attractive, directly stimulating higher production volumes despite causing shortages for domestic tanneries. Concurrently, the East African Community raised tariffs on imported leather goods to protect local manufacturers, further integrating the regional leather value chain.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Eastern Africa's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 390.9 K t, marking a 2.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 12.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 402.1 K t, with the largest annual increase of 8.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Eastern Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, shipments totaled 8 749 t, representing a 15.1% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15.5%, averaging an annual decline of 5.4%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 468 t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.1% during this period.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Nigeria, China, and Hong Kong were the main buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Eastern Africa. Nigeria accounted for 41.7% of exports in kind, China for 8.0%, and Hong Kong for 7.2%. Together, these three markets represented 56.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins exports from Eastern Africa increased. In 2020, exports reached 6 907 K $ US, up 14.3% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 25.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 045 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 26.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Eastern Africa in value terms was diverse. Nigeria, China, and Hong Kong accounted for 30.2%, 6.8%, and 5.5% of exports in value, respectively, totaling 42.6% of the flows. The remaining 57.4% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins into Eastern Africa fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 1 422 t, a sharp 41.2% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 60.5%, with an average annual decline of 26.7%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 4 429 t, which also saw the largest increase of 22.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 45.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, the sources of raw bovine and equine hides and skins imports into Eastern Africa were quite varied. Germany contributed 5.7% of imports in kind, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.0%, and Italy 2.5%. Combined, these three countries represented only 11.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins imports into Eastern Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 451 K $ US, down 50.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 71%, averaging an annual drop of 33.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 7 561 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 50.9%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 at 61.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import sources for raw bovine and equine hides and skins into Eastern Africa in value terms were broad. Germany accounted for 19.5% of imports in value, Italy for 6.1%, and the United States for 2.4%. Together, these three countries made up only 28.0% of total import flows.

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

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