Sheep and goat meat market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The sheep and goat meat market in the Americas, measured in volume, grew from 1.1 million tons in 2018 to nearly 1.15 million tons in 2023. This overall increase occurred alongside fluctuations, including a period of stabilization around 1.14 million tons in 2019 and 2020, followed by a modest contraction in 2021 before volumes recovered and reached a new peak by 2023.

The market's expansion in 2023 was supported by significant industry consolidation and investment in production capacity. Minerva Foods' acquisition of Marfrig's slaughtering and deboning operations in South America that year directly enhanced slaughter capacity, supporting output. This structural change occurred alongside evolving consumer habits, with rising demand for chilled and frozen meat products driven by preferences for convenience, quality, and traceability, a trend bolstered by ongoing investments in cold chain infrastructure across the region.

Market dynamics are further influenced by economic and trade factors. Brazil's meat sector, a key player, is shaped by exchange rate movements and inflation forecasts affecting production costs, while new export authorizations have opened international opportunities. Consumer trends continue to shift towards health-conscious and convenient options, supporting segments like frozen goat meat and chilled processed products.

Production sheep and goat meat in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

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

Sheep and goat meat production in the Americas has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 1 128 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat production in the Americas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 7 775 million US dollars, down by 16.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 22.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 150 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 11.4%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Americas

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat from the Americas increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 21 677 tonnes, representing a significant gain of 48.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 397 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 31.9%.

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

The partner structure of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. China accounted for 42.2% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 3.3%, and Spain for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat export volume from the Americas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totalled 119.3 million US dollars, constituting a rise of 6.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 17.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, sheep and goat meat from the Americas was supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—China, the Netherlands, and Germany—together represented only 41.1% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Americas

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat to the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 35 312 tonnes, corresponding to a solid decrease of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 24.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland remained the key sources for imports in kind. Australia accounted for 40.2% of imports in kind, New Zealand for 34.0%, and Ireland for 3.0%. Together, these three countries took 77.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat to the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 261.1 million US dollars, indicating a strong drop of 10.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms of sheep and goat meat to the Americas. Australia accounted for 43.3% of imports in value terms, New Zealand for 33.8%, and Ireland for 2.2%. Jointly, these three countries represented 79.3% of total flows.

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

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