Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Tanzania expanded from 86.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 111.5 thousand tons in 2023, driven by underlying sector potential and regional price movements. The country's large livestock population, with annual availability of 2.8 million hides and 2.1 million skins, provided a solid base for the industry, though processing capacity remained underutilized at only 40%. Government initiatives like the Livestock Master Plan aimed to address investment gaps and boost productivity through projects such as improved cattle health programs.

Growth accelerated after 2021, when African hide and skin export prices surged by 44%, incentivizing local production and market activity. By 2023, Tanzania had strengthened its position as a leading global exporter, with hide and skin export values reaching around $6.85 million. This period saw consistent increases in domestic output, which rose from 90.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 117.8 thousand tons in 2023, supporting both local consumption and foreign sales.

In 2024, the market experienced a shift as values declined by approximately 10.1%, marking a second consecutive year of downturn after earlier growth. Production had peaked in 2022 but did not regain momentum, reflecting broader challenges such as price volatility and demand fluctuations in the African regional market.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Tanzania ranked as the 20th largest global producer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins.

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

Tanzania's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 97 761 tonnes, showing minimal year-on-year change. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 28.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania's cross-border shipments of raw bovine and equine hides and skins totaled 6 280 tonnes, marking a significant decline of 14.6% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 353 tonnes, with the largest increase of 70.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria was the leading destination for Tanzania's exports in kind, accounting for 80.0% of total flows, while other markets made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Tanzania's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 372 thousand US dollars, representing a 26.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 256.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 52.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the principal destinations for Tanzania's exports in value terms were Nigeria (56.1% of exports), the United States (9.5% of exports), and Ghana (4.7% of exports), collectively accounting for 70.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 313-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Tanzania imported 33 tonnes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, reflecting an abrupt decline of 84.9% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—China and Hong Kong—together accounted for 89.5% of Tanzania's total imports in kind, with the remaining volume spread across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 556 times. In 2020, Tanzania imported 33 thousand US dollars worth of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, showing an abrupt decrease of 70.3% compared to 2019.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, China (44.0% of imports in value terms), Hong Kong (33.4% of imports), and Nigeria (22.6% of imports) were the biggest contributors to Tanzania's imports, jointly accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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