Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Middle Africa declined to 117.5 thousand t in 2019, affected by drought in the Sahel that damaged cattle herds and the closure of borders by several countries to contain prices and supply local processing plants, which also reduced exports.

The market recovered from 2020 onward, reaching 138.2 thousand t in 2023. This expansion was supported by the growth of the veterinary services market, which improved cattle health and productivity, and by investments from multinational companies in the dairy sector, leading to better livestock practices and increased raw material availability.

Additionally, the slow growth of global cattle herds, including in African countries, contributed to a larger supply of hides, even as traditional extensive farming methods and high intra-African trade barriers persisted.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Middle 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

In 2020, Middle Africa produced 121.3 thousand tonnes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, marking a 2.9% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.8%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, at 4.0%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 348.1 tonnes and peaked in 2018 at 827.1 tonnes, representing a 2.4-fold difference. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 578.6 tonnes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, a significant 66.2% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 57.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 107.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Togo was the primary buyer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Middle Africa, accounting for 75.5% of total exports in kind. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Middle Africa totaled 143.3 thousand US dollars, showing a robust year-on-year increase of 12.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 127.1 thousand US dollars, and the maximum in 2018 at 186.2 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 31.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 18.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Togo was the leading destination for exports in value terms, representing 72.0% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of partners.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes bottomed out in 2018 at 0.2 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 13.5 tonnes, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 85 times. In 2020, Middle Africa imported 13.5 tonnes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, a dramatic 297.6% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 95.2%, and the largest increase in 2019 at 2,028.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for imports in kind were China, with 53.7% of the total, the United Arab Emirates at 15.7%, and Nigeria at 13.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2018 at 0.4 thousand US dollars and climbed to their maximum in 2020 at 11.6 thousand US dollars, a 28-fold shift. In 2020, Middle Africa imported approximately 11.6 thousand US dollars of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, equivalent to a dramatic uptick of 161.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 92.8%, and the largest increase in 2019 at 960.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the principal supplier of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Middle Africa in value terms, accounting for 55.7% of imports. The United Arab Emirates followed with 14.4%, and South Africa with 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 82.4% of total import value.

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

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