Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for raw sheep and lamb skins in Malaysia stood at 908 т in 2018, then dipped to 860 т in 2019. It recovered to 919 т in 2020, supported by consumer preference for lamb meat due to health-conscious diets and halal practices, alongside a growing Muslim population. Trade liberalization with zero tariffs on livestock products facilitated imports, helping lift the market to 983 т in 2021. A sharp import surge drove volume to 1 443 т in 2022, bolstered by steady consumption expansion and mandatory halal certification that strengthened consumer trust. In 2023, the market receded to 1 060 т as import volumes fell.

Consumer demand for lamb remained strong throughout the period, with lamb perceived as a superior meat in high-end foodservice and Australian lamb maintaining popularity. Regulatory oversight intensified, with the Department of Veterinary Services enforcing sanitary measures for imports and halal certification becoming compulsory for market access. Government policies also aimed to boost domestic sheep production to improve self-sufficiency in ruminant meat.

Factors point to a market contraction in 2024, coinciding with tighter Codex-based import rules and permit controls under the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. For 2025, the industry is preparing for the Livestock Malaysia trade event, while exporters must meet ESCAS traceability and animal welfare requirements, which may influence future supply chains.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2018-2021

Malaysia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 391.6 tonnes, marking a 25.2% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 16.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 523.5 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 with an 8.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for raw sheep and lamb skins showed significant volatility during this period. Volumes varied by 2.2 times, with the lowest point in 2020 and the highest in 2021. In 2021, Malaysia exported 24.2 tonnes, which represents a substantial 123.5% increase compared to 2020. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2020 at 10.8 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred that same year with a 49.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, India, and China were the primary destinations for Malaysia's raw sheep and lamb skins exports, accounting for 94.0% of total shipments. Indonesia led with 34.9% of exports, followed by India at 30.4% and China at 28.7%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited considerable volatility over these years. They reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2021, showing a dramatic 25-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, Malaysia's raw sheep and lamb skins exports amounted to 6 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp 92.4% decrease from the previous year. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2020 with a 261.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, Indonesia dominated Malaysia's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in value terms, capturing 89.1% of total export value. The remaining share was distributed among other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 615.3 tonnes, showing a 51.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 36.1%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 10.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 373.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 17.3% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Malaysia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins were heavily concentrated on Yemen, which accounted for 90.1% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Malaysia's import value for raw sheep and lamb skins showed an increase. In 2021, imports were recorded at 6 089 000 US dollars, reflecting a moderate 6.7% rise from the previous year. However, looking at the broader 2018-2021 period, import values decreased by 11.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.9%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 5 708 000 US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms were almost entirely dependent on Yemen, which accounted for 99.6% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021