Raw sheep and lamb skins market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw sheep and lamb skins in Western Africa grew consistently from 58 thousand tons in 2018 to 69.8 thousand tons in 2023. The most significant expansion took place in 2020, when volume surged by over 6 thousand tons to 65.2 thousand tons, establishing a higher base for subsequent years. Growth continued through 2021 before stabilizing near 69 thousand tons in 2022 and 2023.

The rise in market volume through 2023 was driven by increased demand for mutton linked to regional population growth and urbanization, which raised slaughter rates and skin supply. Concurrently, recurring droughts elevated livestock feeding costs, affecting sheep prices and skin market conditions. The period also saw strengthened local processing, exemplified by a tannery in Niger exporting sheep and goat skins to international markets, adding to domestic market activity.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins in Western Africa

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

Western Africa's production of raw sheep and lamb skins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 65 500 tonnes, marking a modest 8.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Western Africa's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 230 tonnes, down 25.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 39.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 15.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Pakistan, and Italy were the top destinations for Western Africa's raw sheep and lamb skins exports. China accounted for 32.9% of exports by volume, Pakistan for 16.0%, and Italy for 12.7%. Together, these three countries made up 61.6% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Western Africa's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 1 276 thousand US dollars, showing a 14.3% year-on-year increase. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value fell by 55.4%, averaging an annual drop of 23.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 117 thousand US dollars, with the sharpest decline of 56.2% occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Italy, and Pakistan were the main buyers of raw sheep and lamb skins from Western Africa in value terms. China represented 41.7% of exports by value, Italy 26.2%, and Pakistan 12.2%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 80.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

The import volume of raw sheep and lamb skins into Western Africa showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 156 tonnes, but then surged dramatically in 2020 to 938 tonnes, a 502.2% increase from the previous year. The peak in 2020 was six times higher than the trough in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 31.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the sources of imports by volume were highly dispersed. Canada led with 18.2% of imports, followed by Spain at 3.4% and Thailand at 1.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 23.0% of total imports, with the remaining 77.0% spread across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of raw sheep and lamb skins into Western Africa exhibited an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 259 thousand US dollars, but then jumped sharply in 2020 to 1 006 thousand US dollars, a 287.8% year-on-year increase. The 2020 peak was 3.9 times higher than the 2019 trough. The largest decline was in 2018, with a 29.3% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports by value relied on a diverse set of partner countries. Canada was the largest source, accounting for 24.6% of imports, followed by Spain at 14.7% and Sudan at 1.7%. Together, these three countries made up 41.0% of total import value, with the rest distributed among many other nations.

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

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