Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Kuwait

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for raw sheep and lamb skins in Kuwait remained stable at around 11 000 t, with a slight increase to 10 999 t in 2020. A significant 12% drop followed in 2021, reducing the market to 9 678 t, before a strong 20% recovery to 11 637 t in 2022. The market then saw a minor correction, settling at 11 467 t in 2023.

Shifts in consumer preferences and distribution methods supported the market in 2020, with increased availability of various local and Arabian sheep breeds and the growth of home delivery and slaughter services, sustaining sheep consumption and skin production. In 2022, private-sector investments were notable, highlighted by social initiatives from Al-Ghanim Industries, one of Kuwait's largest private companies, alongside government moves to establish new shareholding companies for project execution, contributing to broader economic activity.

By 2023, the market was influenced by rising sheep prices due to a lack of price regulation and market monitoring, which fueled speculation among livestock traders. Concurrently, evolving consumer behavior, including increased demand for online delivery of slaughtered animals, reflected changing market demands, coinciding with the slight adjustment in skin market volume.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Kuwait

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Kuwait was among the world's leading producers of raw sheep and lamb skins from 2017 to 2020, ranking 28th globally by production volume.

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

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

Kuwait's production of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 11 682 tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 11 328 tonnes, marking a 1.1% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 2.9%.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Kuwait

Exports in kind, t

Kuwait's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 683 tonnes, a 19.6% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 66.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 30.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates were the top buyers of raw sheep and lamb skins from Kuwait. Saudi Arabia accounted for 45.0% of exports in kind, Lebanon for 29.1%, and the UAE for 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 80.5% of Kuwait's total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of raw sheep and lamb skins exported from Kuwait amounted to 122.3 thousand US dollars, a 49.9% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 244.1 thousand US dollars, which saw a 41.0% increase. From 2017 to 2020, export values declined by 45.7%, with an annualized rate of 18.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India were the largest buyers of raw sheep and lamb skins from Kuwait in value terms. Lebanon accounted for 35.3% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 17.8%, and India for 15.3%. Collectively, these three countries made up 68.4% of Kuwait's total export value.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Kuwait

Imports in kind, t

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins imports into Kuwait showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at approximately 174 tonnes, a dramatic 73.0% year-over-year decrease. The highest volume occurred in 2018 at 644 tonnes, which saw a 47.1% increase. The peak-to-trough ratio between these years was 3.7 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in kind were dominated by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which together accounted for 100.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Kuwait's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports amounted to 175.4 thousand US dollars, a 48.6% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2019, import values grew by 123.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia and Qatar captured the majority of Kuwait's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms, jointly accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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