Raw sheep and lamb skins market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins in the MENA region expanded from 190.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 249.3 thousand tons in 2023, reflecting a substantial increase in domestic production. Production volumes grew consistently from 214.0 thousand tons to 266.0 thousand tons over the same period, with notable jumps in 2020 and 2023 that drove overall market volume higher.

This growth was supported by strategic investments in sheep breeding capacity, particularly in Saudi Arabia where the government launched an intensive sheep farming project aimed at boosting red meat self-sufficiency. Such initiatives directly enlarged the raw material base for skins, as higher sheep numbers translate into greater skin output.

Concurrently, shifts in production economics, including fluctuations in feed prices, influenced the cost structure of sheep farming and subsequently affected skin supply. These factors collectively shaped the market's upward trajectory through the period.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in MENA

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

After a two-year decline, MENA's production of raw sheep and lamb skins rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 236.1 thousand tons, marking a significant 10.9% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 212.9 thousand tons, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 5.3% decrease.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from MENA

Exports in kind, t

MENA's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 23 267 tons, representing a 3.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 3.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 630 tons, with the largest increase that year at 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, Turkey, and Italy were the top destinations for MENA's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in volume terms. Pakistan accounted for 40.6% of exports, Turkey for 21.5%, and Italy for 14.5%. Together, these three countries made up 76.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

MENA's export value of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 32 461 thousand US dollars, showing a strong improvement of 16.6% compared to the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 24 058 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 27.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan, Italy, and Turkey emerged as the main markets for MENA's exports in value terms. Pakistan held a 36.7% share, Italy 17.4%, and Turkey 12.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 67.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to MENA

Imports in kind, t

The import market for raw sheep and lamb skins in MENA showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 742 tons, reflecting a sharp 28.8% drop from 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 1 185 tons, while the peak was in 2019 at 2 446 tons, resulting in a 2.1-fold difference between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 106.3% rise.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that imports of raw sheep and lamb skins to MENA were not heavily concentrated. France accounted for 6.2% of imports in volume, Italy for 3.6%, and Former Sudan for 3.3%. Together, these three sources made up only 13.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, MENA imported 2 007 thousand US dollars worth of raw sheep and lamb skins, which is 50.5% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 10.7%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4 056 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 59.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the distribution of imports in value terms remained diverse. Spain accounted for 10.5% of imports, Italy for 7.7%, and France for 5.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 23.8% of total flows, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

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