Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the domestic market volume for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in the United States contracted from 565 тыс. т to 470 тыс. т. Production remained relatively stable, peaking at 1 176 тыс. т in 2022 before declining the following year, while exports, which account for a major share of output, fluctuated and imports stayed at low levels.

In 2023, the market was shaped by rising costs driven by pressure for eco-friendly production methods and tariffs on raw hides. These factors increased production expenses and contributed to industry consolidation, which, alongside stringent waste management regulations, constrained domestic consumption.

By 2024, the market showed signs of recovery, with sales value growth stimulated by economic improvements and the digitalization of processes. Consumer preferences for sustainable products and new FSIS labeling guidance for animal-raising claims also began to influence demand and compliance requirements.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, the United States ranked as the second-largest producer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from 2017 to 2020.

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, the United States produced 1 130 K t of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, at 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from the United States rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 616.0 K t, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 14.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 571.7 K t, which also saw the largest drop of 20.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Mexico were consistently the top destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 56.9%, 15.8%, and 10.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 83.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The export value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 580 M $ US, a decrease of 24.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 61.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 27.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Mexico continued to lead as the primary buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from the United States in value terms, with shares of 56.7%, 16.5%, and 10.4%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 83.6% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins into the United States increased. In 2020, import volume reached 12.5 K t, up by 9.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 36.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 14.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 11.4 K t, which also saw the largest reduction of 39.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Belgium, and Mexico consistently served as the main sources for imports in kind, with shares of 66.8%, 13.0%, and 5.8%, respectively. Together, they made up 85.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins into the United States rose. In 2020, import value amounted to 13 M $ US, reflecting a modest increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 53%, with a compound annual decline rate of 22.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 M $ US, which also experienced the largest drop of 49.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated the import structure in value terms, holding a 70.3% share of total flows, while other markets contributed less significantly.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020