Sheep and goat meat market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

The Brazilian sheep and goat meat market volume grew from 264 thousand tons in 2018 to 283.1 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by regulatory measures, including the 2018 implementation of the CNAE code that facilitated the opening and formalization of new slaughterhouses. The following year, the sanction of the National Policy to Incentivize Sheep and Goat Farming introduced tax incentives and credit lines, which encouraged new regional players to enter the market in states like Bahia and Pernambuco. Additionally, herd recovery after previous droughts, highlighted in 2020, contributed to greater meat availability.

After a slight stabilization at 281.4 thousand tons in 2021, the market resumed its growth, reaching 303.1 thousand tons by 2023. The increase in 2022 was accompanied by the entry of new cooperatives in Goiás, expanding processing capacity outside traditional regions, and the enactment of state-level technical norms for slaughterhouse equipment in Pernambuco. In 2023, the effective implementation of credit lines under the 2019 national policy further stimulated investments in new slaughterhouses and processing units, while updated sanitary labeling requirements enhanced product traceability and consumer information.

Industry developments in 2024 included the launch of standardized nutritional requirement tables for sheep and goats, aimed at improving feed efficiency and production costs, alongside a noticeable increase in the role of large supermarket chains in distribution. For 2025, the ongoing AgroNordeste Plan continues to focus on strengthening cold-chain infrastructure in the Northeast, and sector reports emphasize the need for a cohesive national brand strategy to boost export competitiveness.

Production sheep and goat meat in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked as the world's 24th largest producer of sheep and goat meat.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

Following two years of growth, Brazil's sheep and goat meat production experienced a decline. In 2021, the country produced 278.6 K t of sheep and goat meat, showing only minor variation from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 8.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%. The peak production level was reached in 2020 at 280.0 K t, with the most significant year-on-year increase occurring in 2019 at 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of expansion, the value of Brazil's sheep and goat meat production decreased. In 2021, output was valued at 2 374 M $ US, marking a 10.1% drop compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value fell by 2.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 642 M $ US, while the largest year-on-year increase took place in 2019 at 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Brazil's export volumes of sheep and goat meat grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 65 t, representing a strong 12.3% increase over 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 642.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 95.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil's export destinations for sheep and goat meat were highly diversified. The Marshall Islands (16.8% of export volume), Hong Kong (11.5%), and Panama (10.0%) together accounted for just 38.3% of total exports, with the remaining 61.7% spread across numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Brazil's export value of sheep and goat meat continued to rise for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 557 K $ US, reflecting a slight 1.4% improvement compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value jumped by 565.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 88.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms were distributed across a broad range of markets. The Marshall Islands (17.6% of export value), Hong Kong (11.6%), and Liberia (11.1%) collectively represented only 40.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports sheep and goat meat to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's import volumes of sheep and goat meat fell for the third straight year. In 2021, imports totaled 2 807 t, indicating a substantial 12.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports dropped by 62.7%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 28.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Uruguay was the primary supplier of sheep and goat meat to Brazil, accounting for 80.9% of total import volume, while other partners held relatively small shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Brazil's import value of sheep and goat meat declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 20 672 K $ US, showing a modest 4.3% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 span, import value fell by 57.6%, with a compound annual decline rate (CAGR) of 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Uruguay maintained its position as the dominant source for Brazil's sheep and goat meat imports in value terms, holding an 80.2% share of total import flows, while other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021