Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for raw sheep and lamb skins in Tunisia showed considerable variation between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 7 286 t in 2018, it surged to 10 805 t in 2019, then dipped slightly to 10 584 t in 2020. A sharp decline followed in 2021, reducing the market to 8 767 t, before a rebound to 10 861 t in 2022 and a modest decrease to 10 674 t in 2023.

The launch of the first national campaign to collect and valorize sheepskins during Eid in August 2018, involving the National Leather and Footwear Center, several ministries, and public companies, increased the formal supply of raw skins. By establishing 83 sorting points across four governorates, this initiative directed more skins into the processing chain, contributing to the market growth observed in 2019.

In subsequent years, state-owned entities like Ellouhoum maintained a regulatory presence. By 2024, authorities set reference prices for sacrificial sheep and organized valorization campaigns, though a tanners' boycott limited collection rates. These actions highlight continued government involvement in stabilizing the raw sheepskin supply chain.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Tunisia

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

Tunisia's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 10 231 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 1.5% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for raw sheep and lamb skins from Tunisia experienced significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 147 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 66.2% from the previous year. In contrast, the highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 675 tonnes, creating an 18-fold difference between these two years. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 with an 83.7% drop, while the most substantial increase was seen in 2018 with a 322.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia was the main destination for Tunisia's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in volume terms, accounting for 1.0% of the total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms also showed considerable volatility. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 78 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 94.5% reduction compared to the previous year. The peak was in 2019 with 1 414 thousand US dollars, resulting in an 18-fold variation between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 128.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia and Portugal were the key buyers of raw sheep and lamb skins from Tunisia in value terms, together making up 5.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of raw sheep and lamb skins into Tunisia showed notable fluctuations. Imports bottomed out in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 501 tonnes, reflecting a 56.7% year-on-year contraction. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 157 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 226.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Libya, Italy, and Greece dominated Tunisia's import structure in volume terms. Libya accounted for 31.7% of imports, Italy for 17.6%, and Greece for 16.2%, together representing 65.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values into Tunisia also exhibited significant fluctuations. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 265 thousand US dollars, marking a 73.4% drop from the previous year. The peak was in 2019 with 994 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 3.8-fold swing between these years. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 96.3% rise.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Spain, Italy, and Greece were the primary suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Tunisia in value terms. Spain led with 48.2% of imports, followed by Italy at 14.8% and Greece at 11.1%, collectively accounting for 74.1% of total import value.

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

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