Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Armenia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Armenia expanded in 2018-2019, reaching a peak of 1 553 t in 2019. This growth was driven by the construction of new leather processing workshops, which increased demand for raw skins, and state support for sheep and goat farming through the import of breeding animals to improve herd productivity. The entry of major player 'Taalay Group' with its processing capacity of up to 800 thousand skins annually also stimulated market activity.

After 2019, the market volume stabilized around 1 464-1 495 t. The decline in imports from 102 t in 2019 to zero by 2021 was offset by steady domestic production, supported by continued investment in the leather industry and measures to fully process raw skins locally. In 2022, the government's temporary bans on the export of raw metals indirectly reflected a broader trend of export regulation, though the leather sector maintained stable demand.

In 2023, the market saw a modest increase to 1 478 t, aided by intensified efforts to process raw skins completely and ongoing state programs to import high-productivity breeding sheep and goats.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Armenia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Armenia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 1 464 tons, which represents a 0.9% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 450 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 1.8% drop.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Armenia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Armenia exported 20.9 tons of raw sheep and lamb skins, marking a significant 59.2% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 74.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 36.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Pakistan, and Italy were the main destinations for Armenia's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in volume terms. Russia accounted for 40.0% of exports, Pakistan for 32.3%, and Italy for 27.8%, together making up 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Armenia's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms amounted to 0.8 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 98.2% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value declined by 99.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -83.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the dominant partner for Armenia's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in value terms, capturing 87.5% of total export flows. Other markets accounted for relatively modest shares during this period.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Armenia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during these years. Armenia imported 51.8 tons of raw sheep and lamb skins in 2020, reflecting a sharp 49.3% decrease from 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 102.2 tons, which represented a 56.0% increase from the previous year. From 2019 to 2020, import volumes varied by a factor of two.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands dominated Armenia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in volume terms, accounting for 82.3% of total import flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Armenia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms totaled 25.3 thousand US dollars, representing a 36.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, import value declined by 29.8%, with an average annual decrease of 11.1%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 39.7 thousand US dollars, which marked a 10.1% increase from 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands remained the leading supplier of raw sheep and lamb skins to Armenia in value terms, accounting for 82.6% of total imports. The remaining imports were spread across numerous other countries.

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

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