Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of raw sheep and lamb skins in Eastern Asia increased steadily from 588 thousand tons in 2018 to 625 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was supported by a concurrent expansion in the leather goods market, fueled by rising middle-class incomes, urbanization, and a cultural preference linking leather products to social status. The overall market volume remained stable near 865 thousand tons through this period, though it saw a slight dip in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused manufacturing facility closures, supply chain disruptions, and an economic downturn within the leather industry.

Between 2021 and 2023, production continued its upward trajectory, reaching 662 thousand tons, while the total market volume grew to 915 thousand tons. This rise was reinforced by strong demand for premium leather goods, highlighted by the opening of new manufacturing facilities such as those by Hermes International in France in 2022. Simultaneously, the industry's intensified focus on sustainability, including the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and the establishment of national green factories, encouraged the use of raw materials and aligned with shifting consumer preferences.

By 2024, import volumes of raw skins rose to 302 thousand tons, reflecting sustained demand. The sector continues to evolve with new investment plans, such as Ermanegildo Zegna's announced factory in Italy, and supportive policies like India's national strategy for leather exports. Technological innovations, including chrome-free tanning and water-based adhesives, alongside digital transformation and smart manufacturing, are enhancing production efficiency and meeting growing consumer interest in sustainable and premium products.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Eastern Asia

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

Eastern Asia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 625.0 thousand tons, marking a 3.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 1.9 thousand tons of raw sheep and lamb skins, representing a 22.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.1%, with an average annual rate of 1.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.6 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 2.0 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, exports of raw sheep and lamb skins from Eastern Asia were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. Spain accounted for 18.9% of exports, Pakistan for 12.6%, and India for 7.2%, with these three countries together making up only 38.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of raw sheep and lamb skins from Eastern Asia were valued at 4.4 million US dollars, up 36.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 68.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.9%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 16.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 46.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, no single market dominated the export value of raw sheep and lamb skins from Eastern Asia. Spain held 28.0% of exports by value, Pakistan 11.7%, and India 9.6%, with these three countries together accounting for 49.3% of total export value. Many smaller partners each contributed modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of raw sheep and lamb skins into Eastern Asia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 241.4 thousand tons, showing a modest decrease of 9.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 21.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom remained the primary suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Eastern Asia. Australia accounted for 52.3% of imports by volume, New Zealand for 17.3%, and the United Kingdom for 15.3%, with these three countries together forming 84.8% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of raw sheep and lamb skins into Eastern Asia have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value was recorded at 162.4 million US dollars, representing a 31.3% decline compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value dropped by 59.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 25.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—together accounted for 78.4% of the total import value of raw sheep and lamb skins into Eastern Asia.

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

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