Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Egypt's raw hides market relied on a large livestock base and exports to multiple countries. By 2019, rising prices for tanning chemicals increased production costs, contributing to a drop in output to 69,000 t. The COVID-19 pandemic then disrupted export flows to key importing countries in 2020, leading to a further decline in production to 63,000 t and market volume to 69,000 t.

From 2021, the development of the Robeiky leather city, with the launch of its first phase comprising 213 factories, began to stabilize the industry, and production edged up to 67,000 t. In 2022, an increase in livestock numbers to 8 million head directly expanded the raw material base, lifting production to 74,000 t and market volume to 79,000 t. Simultaneously, efforts to localize some input materials and control finished leather imports supported domestic supply.

In 2023, a sharp rise in raw hide prices—up 150% during Eid al-Adha—reflected an acute supply shortage, causing production to fall to 59,000 t and the market to shrink to 65,000 t. Meanwhile, the Robeiky leather city continued its expansion, with a third phase covering 111 acres under preparation, and export targets were raised to USD 150 million, indicating sustained investment in added value.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt was one of the world's leading producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, ranking 24th globally by production volume.

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

Egypt's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 62 846 tonnes, marking a 9.0% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 23.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 8.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 84 651 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with an 18.4% reduction, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 2.6%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. The lowest export volume was in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 39 times. In 2020, Egypt's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins totaled 158 tonnes, representing a sharp 62.9% increase from the year before. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 233 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 58.5% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2018, at 3,774.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Hong Kong, and Portugal were the main buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Egypt. India accounted for 36.5% of exports in kind, Hong Kong for 28.0%, and Portugal for 20.8%, together making up 85.3% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached a low in 2017 and a high in 2018, varying by a factor of 18. In 2020, Egypt exported 97 thousand US dollars worth of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, corresponding to a dramatic 50.0% fall compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 230 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 1,733.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Portugal, India, and Hong Kong—collectively accounted for 79.3% of the total export value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Egypt.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. Import volumes hit a low in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 6.2 times. In 2020, Egypt's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins stood at 6 325 tonnes, down by 49.7% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 583 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 216.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Slovenia, Argentina, and Lebanon were the primary sources for imports in kind. Slovenia made up 41.8% of imports, Argentina 8.1%, and Lebanon 7.2%, together accounting for 57.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend during the period. Imports reached a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2019, showing a 5-fold gap. In 2020, Egypt imported 6 023 thousand US dollars worth of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, which is 66.0% less than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 17 693 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was in 2018, at 127.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Argentina, and Lebanon formed the core of imports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 34.3% of imports, Argentina for 10.0%, and Lebanon for 9.3%, together taking 53.6% of total flows.

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

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