Raw sheep and lamb skins market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, Turkey's raw sheep and lamb skins market expanded as production rose from 52.9 to 57.5 thousand tons, supported by the sector's established quality controls and technological edge. The country's position as Europe's second-largest processor of these skins provided a competitive foundation, while government backing for sheep farming in 2019 strengthened the raw material supply.

The market volume dipped to 107.8 thousand tons in 2020 amid price volatility for raw skins linked to shifts in meat supply and demand. Nevertheless, domestic output kept growing, reaching 70.2 thousand tons by 2021, partly driven by rising consumer interest in handmade and natural leather goods.

A sharp acceleration occurred in 2022–2023, with production jumping to 89.0 and then 103.5 thousand tons. This surge was underpinned by ongoing state guidance in sheep breeding and a focus on breed productivity, which lifted overall capacity. Consequently, the total market volume climbed to 167.0 thousand tons in 2023.

Production raw sheep and lamb skins Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey maintained the sixth position globally in terms of raw sheep and lamb skins production volume.

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

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

Turkey's production of raw sheep and lamb skins grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 62 844 tonnes, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 31.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Turkey's production of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 272.9 million US dollars, up by 16.5% compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production value decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 232.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 18.0%.

Annual dynamics of production Turkey in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw sheep and lamb skins to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Turkey's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 438 tonnes, representing a sharp contraction of 46.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 24.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.1%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 814 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 24.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy and India were the dominant destinations for Turkey's raw sheep and lamb skins exports in volume. Italy accounted for 62.4% of total flows, and India for 19.1%, together making up 81.5% of exports. Other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Turkey's exports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms stood at 1 900 thousand US dollars, down by 42.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 44.9%, with an average annual decline of 18.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Indonesia, and India were the main buyers of Turkey's raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms. Italy accounted for 57.7% of exports, Indonesia for 19.6%, and India for 15.0%, collectively representing 92.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw sheep and lamb skins in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

After two years of gains, Turkey's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 45 425 tonnes, a sharp drop of 29.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 64 350 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 33.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey imported raw sheep and lamb skins from numerous countries. Even the largest sources—the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece—together accounted for only 33.6% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Turkey's imports of raw sheep and lamb skins in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 39 175 thousand US dollars, which is 44.3% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35.6%, with an average annual decline of 13.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 78 132 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 28.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of raw sheep and lamb skins to Turkey in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Spain, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were the top sources, accounting for 17.0%, 8.1%, and 7.3% of imports, respectively, but together they represented only 32.3% of total flows.

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

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