Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Uruguay expanded significantly from 3 679 t in 2018 to 4 856 t in 2020. This growth was supported by Central Lanera Uruguaya's renewed commercial proposal for sheep producers, which included RWS certification programs and new marketing systems for wool, helping to strengthen the underlying sheep sector.

After 2020, market volume stabilized, reaching a peak of 4 972 t in 2022. During this period, the sheep sector faced excessive rains that affected animal health and market access limitations due to Uruguay's foot-and-mouth disease-free status without sheep vaccination, which moderated production growth.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 4 665 t. This decline coincided with a 10% drop in sheep slaughter volume and reported production challenges, including a shortage of skilled labor and losses from dog attacks, which directly reduced the availability of raw skins.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Uruguay

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

Uruguay's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 925 tonnes, which represents a significant 33.9% jump compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 64.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Uruguay's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 7 301 thousand US dollars, marking a 35.7% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value surged by 110%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

Uruguay's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 250 tonnes, showing a sharp 62.3% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 84%, with an average annual decline of 45.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Uruguay's export structure for raw sheep and lamb skins in volume terms, accounting for 71.4% of total exports. Other markets played a smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Uruguay's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 370 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep 61.8% fall from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 79.5%, with an average annual decline of 41.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 091 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 15.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Brazil were the leading markets for Uruguay's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms, together making up 89.1% of total exports. Other partners contributed to a lesser extent.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

The import market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Uruguay showed volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2018 at 1 482 tonnes and fell to a low of 181 tonnes in 2020, an 81.4% decrease from the previous year. This represents an 8.2-fold difference between the peak and trough. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 71.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, Chile, and Spain were the main suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Uruguay in volume terms. Australia accounted for 45.1% of imports, Chile for 29.7%, and Spain for 8.6%, together comprising 83.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Uruguay exhibited volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their highest point in 2018 at 2 944 thousand US dollars and dropped to 556 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 75.0% decline from the previous year. This represents a 5.3-fold difference between the peak and trough. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 40.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, Spain, and Chile were the primary suppliers of raw sheep and lamb skins to Uruguay in value terms. Australia accounted for 54.2% of imports, Spain for 21.1%, and Chile for 15.5%, together making up 90.7% of total imports.

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

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