Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for raw sheep and lamb skins in Southern Asia demonstrated strong and continuous expansion from 2018 to 2023, rising from 203 thousand tons to 290 thousand tons. Growth accelerated notably in 2020, with an 11% increase, before moderating in subsequent years. By the end of the period, the market had expanded by over 40%, reflecting sustained demand for these raw materials.

Domestic production was the primary engine of market growth, increasing from 201 thousand tons to 285 thousand tons over the six years. While imports showed volatility—dropping to a low of 3 thousand tons in 2021 before partially recovering—their overall contribution remained secondary. Exports gradually declined, making more production available for domestic consumption and supporting the net rise in market size.

The consistent upward trajectory in both production and market volume indicates robust activity in the region's sheep farming and initial processing sectors. Despite annual fluctuations in trade flows, the underlying trend points to a larger and more self-sufficient market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Southern Asia.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Southern Asia

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

Southern Asia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 231.9 K t, marking a robust 11.4% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 200.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 7.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Southern Asia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins rebounded in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 592.1 M $ US, showing an abrupt uptick of 38.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 427.0 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Southern Asia exported 5 207 t of raw sheep and lamb skins, representing a solid decline of 16.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 18.4%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Spain remained the top destinations for Southern Asia's exports in kind. Italy accounted for 24.7% of exports, Turkey for 1.6%, and Spain for 0.7%, together making up 27.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, Southern Asia's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms increased in 2020. The region exported 13 292 K $ US, equivalent to a measured rise of 4.3% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 12.7%, with an annualized decline of 4.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 748 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Spain accounted for the largest share of Southern Asia's exports in value terms. Italy represented 25.2% of exports, Turkey 2.3%, and Spain 0.7%, together comprising 28.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Southern Asia's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 5 855 t, reflecting a strong decrease of 19.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 41.2%, with an average annual decline of 16.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports in kind of raw sheep and lamb skins to Southern Asia were not heavily concentrated. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 22.7% of imports, New Zealand for 9.6%, and South Africa for 5.6%, together capturing only 37.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of raw sheep and lamb skins to Southern Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totalled 17 984 K $ US, corresponding to a significant decrease of 11.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 26.9%, with an annualized decline of 9.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 25 141 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.2%.

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

The structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of partners. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 25.2% of imports, New Zealand for 7.7%, and South Africa for 5.4%, jointly making up only 38.3% of total flows. The remaining 61.7% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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