Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in ECOWAS expanded from 135 thousand tons in 2018 to 208 thousand tons in 2020, with a surge of 39% in 2020 fueled by a sharp rise in imports.

In 2021, market volume fell to 193 thousand tons as higher input costs for feed and energy, along with livestock disease outbreaks including foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, constrained meat production and hide supply. A slight contraction to 188 thousand tons followed in 2022, while global cattle herds grew slowly, enhancing raw material availability. The market recovered to 195 thousand tons in 2023, supported by a softer global beef market and the renewed presence of major exporters like Australia and Argentina, which increased hide accessibility for the region.

During 2024, imports remained significant at 65 thousand tons, occurring alongside a 40% drop in hide valuation over six years due to international competition and subdued demand. Local beef production in member states such as Côte d'Ivoire, meeting about one-third of domestic needs, further shaped market conditions.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in ECOWAS

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

ECOWAS's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 127.2 K t, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 130.6 K t, with the largest annual increase of 7.9% also occurring that year.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 011 t and peaked in 2019 at 2 402 t, representing a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS's export volume of raw bovine and equine hides and skins amounted to 1 574 t, marking a sharp decline of 34.5% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 137.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from ECOWAS were China (accounting for 7.9% of exports in kind), Chad (2.4%), and Hong Kong (1.8%). Together, these three markets represented 12.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 457 K $ US and peaked in 2020 at 3 654 K $ US, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exported volumes from ECOWAS reached 3 654 K $ US, constituting a significant rise of 21.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 18.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with growth of 107.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (26.2% of exports in value terms), Chad (4.4%), and Hong Kong (2.4%) consistently held leading positions in the export structure by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 33.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

ECOWAS's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 81 998 t, which is 279.8% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 1 146.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 131.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Tanzania (15.8% of imports in kind), Sudan (14.0%), and Madagascar (8.1%) jointly represented 37.9% of total flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 62.1%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ECOWAS's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported raw bovine and equine hides and skins valued at {value_last_year} K $ US, marking a year-over-year increase of 321.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 680.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 98.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania (25.9% of imports in value terms), Sudan (17.0%), and the Netherlands (8.6%) stood out as the main markets for imports by value. Together, these three countries represented 51.5% of total import flows.

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

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