Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for raw sheep and lamb skins in Argentina expanded from 14 967 tons to 18 077 tons. This growth coincided with a price peak in the ovine market during spring 2018, followed by a broad decline in raw hide prices internationally, which made skins more affordable for processors and supported demand. Price stabilization in 2019 and the beginning of a price recovery in mid‑2020 further sustained market activity.

The trend reversed in 2021 when ovine categories again lost value in the first quarter, reducing profitability for producers. Market volume fell to 15 945 tons that year and continued to drop to around 13 000 tons in 2022‑2023. The decline reflected broader pressures on sheep farming, including drought, inflation, and uncompetitive exchange rates that eroded flock numbers.

By 2024, the sector faced a pronounced crisis, with a 30% reduction in ovine herds in recent years due to persistent drought, high costs, and pasture competition. These structural challenges limited the supply of raw skins and contributed to the market contraction observed since 2021.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina ranked 24th globally in the production of raw sheep and lamb skins.

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

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

Argentina's production of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 16 377 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 039 tonnes, marking the largest decline of 2.9% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

Argentina's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 574 tonnes, representing a significant drop of 11.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 48.8%, with an annualized decrease of 20.0%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 1 175 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 44.5% reduction.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the primary destination for Argentina's raw sheep and lamb skins exports, accounting for 93.6% of the total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Argentina's export value of raw sheep and lamb skins decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 444 thousand US dollars, a decline of 47.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 68.1%, with an annualized rate of 31.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 555 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Argentina's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in value terms, holding a 96.9% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

Argentina's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2 274 tonnes, up by 75.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 589%, with a compound annual growth rate of 90.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the leading source for Argentina's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins by volume, making up 75.4% of total flows, while the remainder was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Argentina's import value of raw sheep and lamb skins showed notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2017, with the peak reached in 2020, representing a 5.5-fold difference. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 397 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 126.1% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 28.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 239.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the main source for Argentina's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms, accounting for 75.3% of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller shares.

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

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