Raw sheep and lamb skins market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the South African market for raw sheep and lamb skins showed a volatile trajectory in volume terms. Domestic consumption fell from 7,398 t in 2018 to a low of 5,266 t in 2020, before strongly recovering to reach 8,145 t by 2023. This pattern was closely tied to changes in sheep slaughter activity, driven initially by supply-side constraints and later by a rebound in meat production.

The early decline was exacerbated by a reduction in the national sheep flock due to losses from predators and stock theft. In 2020, a ban on national livestock auctions further disrupted the supply chain, limiting the availability of skins for the domestic market. At the same time, consumer preference shifted toward more affordable poultry, reducing demand for sheep meat and consequently for skins as a by-product.

From 2022 onward, slaughter numbers began to recover, with a reported 11% year-on-year increase between 2023 and 2024 boosting skin supply. Price trends provided additional context: sheepskin values remained under pressure from high global exports, particularly from Australia, while a longstanding exemption from proposed export levies on hides and skins supported continued overseas sales of South African sheep skins. More recently, factors such as foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and rising feed and fuel costs have introduced new challenges, though demand in higher-value segments has shown resilience.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, South Africa ranked as the 18th largest producer of raw sheep and lamb skins from 2018 to 2021.

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

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

South Africa's production of raw sheep and lamb skins fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 22 604 tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 3.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production dropped by 3.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest output was in 2019 at 23 618 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 0.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two years of decline, South Africa's production value for raw sheep and lamb skins rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 39 045 thousand US dollars, representing a significant rise of 17.7% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 span, production value fell by 38.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 14.8%. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 33 177 thousand US dollars, with the steepest drop of 27.6% recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, South Africa's export volume of raw sheep and lamb skins decreased. In 2021, the country exported 17 314 tonnes, down 4.3% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports overall increased by 5.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak volume was in 2020 at 18 092 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Turkey, and Italy were the top destinations for South Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins exports by volume. China accounted for 53.4% of exports, Turkey for 23.0%, and Italy for 14.7%, together making up 91.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, South Africa's export value for raw sheep and lamb skins rose. In 2021, exports totaled 29 906 thousand US dollars, marking a robust year-on-year increase of 16.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, export value decreased by 31.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.0%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 25 730 thousand US dollars, and the largest drop of 26.4% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, China, and Turkey remained the primary buyers of South Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins by value. Italy held 41.7% of export value, China 37.2%, and Turkey 13.8%, collectively representing 92.7% of total exports.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2019, imports peaked at 240 tonnes, then dropped to a low of 30 tonnes in 2020, an 8-fold difference. In 2021, imports rebounded to 102 tonnes, a sharp increase of 239.4% from the previous year. The largest decline of 87.4% was recorded in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia dominated South Africa's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins by volume, accounting for 81.4% of total imports, while the remainder was distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited volatility over the observed years. In 2018, imports reached their peak, then fell to a low in 2020, with a 71-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports surged to a value that was 1,044.2% higher than in 2020, though the specific figure is not provided. The minimum value was 5 thousand US dollars in 2020, which also saw the largest decline of 98.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia and Italy were the leading suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to South Africa by value, together comprising 84.6% of total imports, with other partners contributing a smaller share.

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

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