Sheep and goat meat market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, sheep and goat meat production in Argentina grew from 113.3 thousand tonnes to 124.0 thousand tonnes, with the market volume increasing from 112.5 to 122.9 thousand tonnes. This expansion occurred alongside ongoing sanitation and traceability measures enforced by SENASA, which helped maintain production standards without major regulatory disruptions.

A sharp contraction followed in 2021 and 2022, with production falling to 106.9 and 94.9 thousand tonnes respectively, shrinking the market volume to 92.9 thousand tonnes. The decline was driven by the introduction of front-of-pack nutrition labeling rules, which increased compliance costs, and a shift in commercialization that phased out half-carcass sales in favor of 32 kg pieces from November 2022, disrupting distribution. Export uncertainty also arose from a government scheme banning the export of seven beef cuts until end-2023, affecting high-quality sheep meat trade.

In 2023, production stabilized at 93.1 thousand tonnes as the market adjusted. The full removal of export restrictions on all cuts under Decree 911/21 and the reopening of the Chilean market for Argentine sheep meat provided new export opportunities, supported by the inclusion of sheep meat in the Export Increase Program with a favorable exchange rate.

Production sheep and goat meat in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

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

Argentina's sheep and goat meat production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 123 979 tons, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 113 334 tons, which also saw the biggest drop of 2.0%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest growth at 8.1%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

Argentina's sheep and goat meat exports reached 1 111 tons in 2020, down 11.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports fell by 41.7%, averaging a 16.5% annual decline. The export volume hit its lowest point in 2018 at 928 tons, with the sharpest drop of 51.3% that year. However, 2019 saw a rebound with the largest increase of 34.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Spain, and the Netherlands remained the top buyers of Argentina's sheep and goat meat. Brazil accounted for 29.9% of exports in volume, Spain for 27.1%, and the Netherlands for 12.1%. Together, these three countries made up 69.0% of Argentina's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Argentina's sheep and goat meat export value has risen for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 5 918 thousand US dollars, an 8.9% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 30.1%, with an average annual decline of 11.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 427 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the steepest drop of 35.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Brazil, and the Netherlands were the leading buyers of Argentina's sheep and goat meat by value. Spain represented 32.0% of export value, Brazil 27.4%, and the Netherlands 12.4%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 71.9% of Argentina's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

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