Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Production of raw sheep and lamb skins in Sub-Saharan Africa rose from 167.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 195.7 thousand tons in 2020. This increase occurred despite ongoing supply constraints in South Africa, where predator attacks and stock theft reduced sheep numbers. The exemption of sheep skins from export levies on wet salted hides supported external trade, helping to balance market conditions.

Output continued to expand, reaching 205.3 thousand tons by 2023. A significant driver was the notable growth in sheep skin production in Ethiopia, which offset localized supply challenges. Concurrently, export volumes declined from 19.1 thousand tons in 2019 to 15.5 thousand tons in 2023, contributing to a rise in domestic market volume from 150.6 to 190.4 thousand tons. Cultural and religious factors in the region sustained demand for sheep products, while limited refrigeration infrastructure reinforced reliance on raw skins over processed alternatives.

In 2024, South Africa, Sudan, and Kenya remained leading exporters. Improved demand in South Africa led to a 23.7% year-on-year increase in mutton and lamb prices, reflecting stronger local consumption and reduced live exports, which boosted local processing of sheep meat and skins. Supply chain disruptions and farm-level challenges such as predators and theft persisted, though the exemption from export levies continued to facilitate trade activity.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 195.7 thousand tons, marking a moderate increase of 6.5% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of raw sheep and lamb skins production in Sub-Saharan Africa has fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 282.0 million US dollars, representing a significant decline of 21.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 37.9%, with an average annual decline of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Sub-Saharan Africa's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins have increased for the second year running. In 2020, exports reached 19 807 tons, up by 3.8% from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 10.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 646 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Italy were the main destinations for Sub-Saharan Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins exports by volume. China accounted for 49.6% of exports, Turkey for 17.6%, and Italy for 16.2%, together absorbing 83.4% of the total.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of raw sheep and lamb skins exports from Sub-Saharan Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 28 539 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp drop of 23.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 54.2%, with an average annual decline of 22.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Turkey were the primary markets for Sub-Saharan Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins exports by value. China represented 39.8% of exports, Italy 39.5%, and Turkey 10.9%, together accounting for 90.2% of the total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of raw sheep and lamb skins into Sub-Saharan Africa showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 560 tons, which saw the largest decline of 65.8%. In 2020, imports rebounded to 1 461 tons, reflecting a substantial increase of 161.0% compared to 2019. The peak was in 2017, with a 5.6-fold difference between the highest and lowest years.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the supply sources for raw sheep and lamb skins to Sub-Saharan Africa were diverse. Saudi Arabia contributed 24.8% of imports by volume, Canada 6.8%, and China 4.1%, together making up only 35.7% of total imports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, imports of raw sheep and lamb skins into Sub-Saharan Africa increased in 2020. Imports amounted to 1 458 thousand US dollars, up by 34.2% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 73.5%, with an average annual decline of 35.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 086 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 62.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single country dominated the import market for raw sheep and lamb skins into Sub-Saharan Africa. Saudi Arabia accounted for 35.6% of imports by value, Canada for 4.6%, and Spain for 2.9%, together representing only 43.1% of the total. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020