Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the South African market for raw sheep and lamb skins benefited from the exclusion of sheep skins from a proposed export levy on wet and semi-processed hides, which helped maintain export access and supported local processing. Despite reported challenges such as declining sheep numbers due to predators and stock theft, which constrained supply, the market volume grew from 285.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 304.1 thousand tons in 2019.

Market volume continued to expand, reaching 318.7 thousand tons in 2020 and stabilizing around 318–321 thousand tons through 2022. The monetary value of the market fluctuated significantly during this period, reflecting changes in raw material prices and demand conditions, with value dropping to $449.7 million in 2020 before recovering to $647.9 million in 2022.

By 2023, the market volume increased to 332.4 thousand tons. Industry operations were affected by increased load-shedding, but export opportunities to Middle Eastern markets regained momentum, supporting demand. In 2024, new regulations for plant-based meat products were introduced, and the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act came into effect, aiming to promote sustainable farming, while compulsory animal marking continued under existing livestock management laws.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2017-2020

Africa's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 337.4 thousand tonnes, marking a modest year-on-year gain of 4.4%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of raw sheep and lamb skins production in Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 477.3 million US dollars, representing a 24.6% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 38%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Africa's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins increased in 2020. Exports reached 20 772 tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019's level of 20 664 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 11.8%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 20.1%, with an average annual decrease of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Italy remained the primary buyers of raw sheep and lamb skins from Africa, accounting for 43.5%, 19.6%, and 15.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 78.9% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Africa's export value of raw sheep and lamb skins has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 29 387 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp drop of 27.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 56%, with an average annual decline of 23.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, China, and Turkey were the main markets for Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in value terms, with shares of 39.1%, 37.4%, and 11.8%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 88.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Africa's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins rose in 2020. Import volume reached 2 064 tonnes, reflecting a robust increase of 19.3% from 2019's low of 1 730 tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 47.1%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 51.2%, with an average annual drop of 21.3%.

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

The partner structure for imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with Saudi Arabia, France, and Canada as the top suppliers, accounting for 18.0%, 6.5%, and 4.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up only 29.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Africa's import value of raw sheep and lamb skins has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 064 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 31.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 73.7%, equating to an average annual rate of -35.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Italy played notable roles as suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Africa in value terms, with shares of 24.8%, 9.6%, and 4.8%, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 39.2% of total imports, indicating no single country dominated the market.

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

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