Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, a decision to permit the export of live sheep raised prices by 10-15%, reducing the domestic availability of raw skins and contributing to a production decline the following year. Output fell to 19,288 t in 2019, with market volume dropping to 19,676 t.

A sustained recovery began in 2020, with production reaching 32,834 t by 2023. This growth was underpinned by steady export demand for semi-processed sheepskins to Italy and India, supported by Syria's use of vegetable, chrome, and mixed tanning technologies in its leather industry.

By 2024, the broader industrial sector showed signs of strengthening, as over 1,600 facilities resumed operations and applications were filed to import new production lines. This environment, alongside ongoing export channels, provided a basis for continued market activity.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Syria ranked 19th globally in the production of raw sheep and lamb skins.

Top producers of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw sheep and lamb skins, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, Syria's production of raw sheep and lamb skins rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 24 629 tonnes, marking a significant 27.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 19 288 tonnes, which also saw the steepest decline of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Syria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Syria

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 4.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Syria exported 56.4 tonnes of raw sheep and lamb skins, representing a sharp 18.5% drop from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 237.2 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 70.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 19.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Turkey were the main destinations for Syria's raw sheep and lamb skins exports, accounting for 84.2% of the total. Germany represented 34.2% of exports in kind, Italy 30.4%, and Turkey 19.6%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Syria's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 91.9 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 39.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 84.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 45.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Italy, Germany, and Turkey were the primary markets for Syria's raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms, together absorbing 85.9% of total exports. Italy accounted for 38.6% of exports in value, Germany for 26.9%, and Turkey for 20.3%.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country imported 835.0 tonnes, showing a sharp 82.9% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 339.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 63.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, Former Sudan, and Romania were the largest suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Syria, together making up 84.7% of total imports in kind. Lebanon contributed 51.2%, Former Sudan 27.3%, and Romania 6.2%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Syria's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms totaled 436.8 thousand US dollars, a steep 47.6% increase from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 19.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 at 73.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon, Former Sudan, and Iran were the key suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Syria in value terms, jointly accounting for 85.4% of total imports. Lebanon represented 40.3% of imports in value, Former Sudan 36.1%, and Iran 9.1%.

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

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