Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Sierra Leone

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the sheep and goat sector accounted for only 3% of Sierra Leone's total agricultural output, with limited village-level development and a marketing system reliant on intermediaries that affected producer prices. Domestic livestock production, including sheep, was insufficient to meet local protein demand, sustaining year-round market activity. Production of raw skins reached 352.5 t, supplemented by 55.9 t of imports. By 2019, production rose to 364.8 t, but imports nearly vanished, reducing total market volume to 364.9 t. The following year, production declined to 339.0 t amid broader economic conditions, while the goat and sheep meat market received strategic analysis, indicating ongoing sector interest.

Production recovered to 350.4 t in 2021. Over 2022-2023, output stabilized around 347-345 t with minor decreases. The 2023 Annual Agricultural Survey reported 286 967 sheep in the country, confirming stable herd numbers, but the livestock sector faced constraints in veterinary services and feed availability, which limited growth. Additionally, the government launched a National Agricultural Transformation Program aimed at boosting overall farm productivity, providing a supportive policy context for the skin production sector.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Sierra Leone

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

In 2020, Sierra Leone produced 339.0 tonnes of raw sheep and lamb skins, representing a modest 7.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 2.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 364.8 tonnes, marking a 3.5% increase from the preceding year.

Annual dynamics of production in Sierra Leone in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Sierra Leone

Market data indicates that Sierra Leone did not export any raw sheep and lamb skins between 2017 and 2020.

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Sierra Leone

Imports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 71 kg and peaked in 2018, with a 787-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, import volumes remained stable at 71 kg, unchanged from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 99.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sierra Leone in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Sierra Leone's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins were primarily sourced from Thailand, which accounted for 97.4% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 561 US dollars and peaked in 2018, with a 23-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 561 US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 95.6%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Thailand dominated Sierra Leone's imports in value terms, capturing 89.7% of total flows, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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