Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Sub-Saharan Africa grew from 760 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 920 thousand tonnes in 2023. This expansion was interrupted in 2021 when the market size dipped to 825 thousand tonnes, but it resumed growth thereafter, reaching over 885 thousand tonnes in 2022.

Recent industry developments include a significant rise in South Africa's beef exports, supported by improved market access to BRICS+ countries after Saudi Arabia lifted a 20-year ban on South African meat. Enhanced animal health and traceability measures have become critical for meeting international trade standards, although supply can be affected by disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Sub-Saharan 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

After two consecutive years of growth, Sub-Saharan Africa's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins experienced a decline. In 2020, the region produced 788.4 K t, marking a 1.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 798.8 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.8%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated substantially, with a 2.4-fold difference between the low point in 2019 and the peak in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Sub-Saharan Africa reached 32.3 K t, representing a dramatic 135.8% increase compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 13.7 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 41.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins were distributed across a wide range of buyers. China accounted for 23.1% of exports in kind, Italy for 8.5%, and Brazil for 7.5%, with these three countries together representing only 39.1% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares, indicating a diversified export portfolio.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Sub-Saharan Africa's export value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins rebounded. In 2020, exports amounted to 21 262 K $ US, showing a sharp increase of 61.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, exports decreased by 36.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 175 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 48.8% drop.

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

Analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. China represented 19.3% of exports in value terms, Italy 15.5%, and Brazil 8.5%, with these three countries together accounting for only 43.4% of total flows. The remaining 56.6% was distributed among various other trading partners, highlighting the market's diversity.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 103.9 K t, surging by 293.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 731.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 102.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Sub-Saharan Africa were not heavily concentrated. Sudan accounted for 10.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 5.6%, and Lebanon for 4.9%, with these three countries together representing only 21.3% of total flows. This indicates a relatively dispersed import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.5-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, import volumes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 73 279 K $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 215.8% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the country breakdown of imports in value terms remained scattered. Sudan accounted for 13.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 6.8%, and Jordan for 4.6%, with these three countries together representing just 24.6% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant, underscoring the fragmented nature of the import market.

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

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