Sheep and goat meat market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the volume of the sheep and goat meat market in Asia grew steadily, supported by increasing consumer preference for lean protein and healthy alternatives, as well as the entry of new players and expansion of leading companies such as Alliance Group and Silver Fern Farms. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumption towards frozen products due to mobility restrictions, maintaining market volume despite supply chain disruptions. In value terms, the market dipped in 2019 due to regional economic factors affecting disposable income, but recovered in 2020 as new sanitary regulations and policies supporting domestic production helped stabilize prices.

From 2021 onwards, market volume continued to rise, aided by investments in processing plants and improved market access through consolidated trade and sanitary policies. Market value surged sharply, primarily due to rising global raw material and energy costs, coupled with inflationary pressures. Stricter labeling and traceability regulations were implemented to meet consumer demands for transparency, while growing preference for premium and sustainably produced meat stimulated value-added segments.

By 2023, both production and market size reached new highs, with volume exceeding 25 million tons and value surpassing 228 billion US dollars, reflecting the ongoing expansion driven by these structural and demand-side factors.

Production sheep and goat meat in Asia

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

Asia's production of sheep and goat meat has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 22 130 thousand tons, marking a 4.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 8.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

The value of sheep and goat meat production in Asia reached 148.5 billion US dollars in 2020, reflecting a significant 16.3% gain over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The most notable drop occurred in 2019, when it fell by 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia's exports of sheep and goat meat declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region shipped 15.3 thousand tons abroad, a sharp 42.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 34.3%, averaging an annual decline of 13.1%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 26.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Free Zones together accounted for 2.5% of Asia's total sheep and goat meat exports by volume, positioning them as the primary markets for these products.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Asia's export value of sheep and goat meat fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 103 million US dollars, down 35.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value decreased by 25.6%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The highest value was in 2018 at 175 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 26.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia and Free Zones were the leading markets for Asia's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms, with Russia contributing 1.3% and Free Zones 1.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Asia's imports of sheep and goat meat declined. In 2020, the region imported 631.2 thousand tons, showing a modest 5.9% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports overall increased by 7.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 670.6 thousand tons, while the largest increase of 14.2% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia and New Zealand dominated Asia's imports of sheep and goat meat by volume, with other markets playing a smaller role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Asia's imports of sheep and goat meat in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 3 477 million US dollars, a 7.6% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 21.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 3 763 million US dollars, and the largest increase of 23.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia and New Zealand accounted for the majority of Asia's sheep and goat meat imports by value, with other markets representing a smaller share.

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

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