Sheep and goat meat market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, sheep and goat meat production in Algeria increased moderately from 722.6 thousand tonnes to 743.8 thousand tonnes. This gradual growth occurred amid a freeze on privatizations that limited new market entrants and underutilization of the state-owned company Alviar's breeding capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to border closures for cattle imports, which may have indirectly supported domestic meat output.

From 2021 to 2023, production expanded more steadily, reaching 791.1 thousand tonnes. This period was characterized by Alviar's 'sheep by facility' program, which boosted demand through purchase agreements with eased payment terms. Government bans on sheep imports from Romania for Eid and maintained protective tariffs under the DAPS scheme reduced foreign competition, while the distribution of barley feed to breeders in 2023 lowered production costs and supported herd sustainability.

In 2024, policy shifts included authorizing the import of 100 000 Romanian sheep for Eid and lifting the DAPS tariff on fresh and chilled ovine meat, opening the market to imports. Alviar concurrently launched fixed-price sales and expanded its retail network, continuing its facilitated payment schemes. However, rising animal feed prices and general inflation pressured production costs and consumer purchasing power.

Production sheep and goat meat in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Algeria ranked among the world's top producers of sheep and goat meat from 2017 to 2020, holding the 9th position by production volume.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

Algeria's sheep and goat meat production grew for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 743.8 thousand tons. This represented a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 2.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 722.6 thousand tons, which saw a slight decline of 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Algeria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports sheep and goat meat from Algeria

According to market reports, Algeria did not export any sheep and goat meat between 2017 and 2020.

Imports sheep and goat meat to Algeria

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The peak occurred in 2017, while the lowest point was in 2019, creating a gap of 66 396 times between these extremes. In 2020, Algeria imported 1 ton of sheep and goat meat, marking a dramatic increase of 1 372.2% from 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 tons, following a substantial decline of 99.7% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the primary source of sheep and goat meat imports to Algeria, accounting for 76.0% of total import volume. Other countries played much smaller roles in Algeria's import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited considerable volatility throughout the period. The highest value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 39 730 times. In 2020, Algeria imported sheep and goat meat worth 10 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial increase of 3 245.6% compared to 2019. The minimum import value was 0.3 thousand US dollars in 2019, which followed a decline of 99.7% from the previous year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Spain dominated Algeria's import market in value terms, representing 78.2% of total import flows. Other trading partners accounted for significantly smaller shares of imports.

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

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