Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Tanzania grew from 6 600 t to nearly 8 000 t, supported by the country's extensive livestock base—confirmed by a national agricultural census—and government policies to revitalize the leather sector, which encouraged new tannery investments and processing capacity expansion. The market then contracted to 7 300 t in 2020 as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions disrupted supply chains and temporarily reduced production.

Following the easing of pandemic measures, the market recovered to 7 800 t in 2021, aided by the reopening of tanneries and the entry of new private players. Growth continued in 2022, reaching 8 200 t, fueled by further increases in installed tannery capacity and industry efforts to improve the value chain through better practices and training.

A sharp surge lifted the market volume by 43% to 11 700 t in 2023. This jump was underpinned by the cumulative effect of new and expanded tannery facilities coming online, deeper integration between state and private actors in the leather value chain, and the sustained growth in consumption that has characterized the sector since 2012.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Tanzania

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

Tanzania's production of raw sheep and lamb skins declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 7,961 tons, but then fell to 7,354 tons in 2020, marking a moderate decrease of 7.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 26%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 18.9%.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins exports from Tanzania showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 15.1 tons, but then rebounded dramatically to 30.1 tons in 2020, representing a sharp increase of 99.3% year-on-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 85.8% drop. From 2018 to 2019, the market experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 7.1 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins were primarily directed to three key markets: Nigeria, which accounted for 62.5% of exports in kind; Vietnam, with 16.1%; and China, at 12.8%. Together, these three countries represented 91.4% of Tanzania's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Tanzania's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to $18,990, reflecting a sharp gain of 56.7% compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, exports grew by 80.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main partners for Tanzania's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms were Vietnam, accounting for 36.9% of exports; China, with 28.0%; and Uganda, at 21.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 85.9% of Tanzania's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

The import market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Tanzania displayed an unstable trend over this timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 at 24.7 tons, before falling to 3.5 tons in 2020—a contraction of 86.0% from the previous year. This represents a fluctuation of 23 times between the high and low points. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 706.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China and the United Arab Emirates were the two key sources for Tanzania's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in kind, together accounting for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Tanzania's import market for raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms showed significant instability during this period. Imports hit their minimum in 2017, then soared to a peak of $10,980 in 2019, before dropping sharply to $800 in 2020—an abrupt reduction of 92.7% year-on-year. This represents a 41-fold variation between the high and low points. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a jump of 3,133.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant market for Tanzania's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms, accounting for 96.6% of total import flows, making it nearly the sole supplier.

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

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