Sheep and goat meat market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Chile's sheep and goat meat market was heavily export-oriented, with around 50% of production destined for international markets, primarily the European Union. The industry faced structural challenges such as marked seasonality in slaughter and informal processing in central and southern regions, while theft and predators limited herd development. Following this period, domestic market volume in physical terms declined from 25 613 t in 2018 to 22 193 t in 2021, with market value also falling.

From 2021 onward, the market began to recover. In 2022, a significant increase in production costs—ranging from 15% to 165% for various inputs—along with higher logistics and transport expenses, affected the entire supply chain. Despite these cost pressures, steady external demand, particularly from China, and coordinated public-private efforts to boost exports supported production growth. Consequently, market volume rose to 22 928 t in 2022 and 23 676 t in 2023, while market value peaked at 172.1 million US dollars in 2022.

Throughout the period, international trade remained a key driver, with the European Union absorbing about 80% of Chile's exports. Industrial plants in Chillán and Osorno, designed to handle seasonal supply peaks, helped maintain both export flows and domestic availability, underpinning the market's structure.

Production sheep and goat meat in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

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

In 2021, Chile produced 28 001 tons of sheep and goat meat, marking a gradual decline of 4.4% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 9.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 3.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 at 6.9%, while the largest increase was seen in 2020 at 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Chile's sheep and goat meat production value rebounded. In 2021, output reached 185.6 million US dollars, up 10.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 7.1%, with an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 167.9 million US dollars, and the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 at 10.9%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Chile

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Chile's sheep and goat meat export volume declined. In 2021, exports totaled 5 917 tons, down 6.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The peak volume was in 2020 at 6 314 tons, and the largest increase that year was 10.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and Brazil were the key destinations for Chile's sheep and goat meat exports in volume terms. China accounted for 46.8% of exports, the United States for 14.7%, and Brazil for 7.5%, together representing 69.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Chile's cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 39 230 thousand US dollars, rising 8.4% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 12.9%, with a CAGR of 4.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, the United States, and Brazil formed the main group of destinations for Chile's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms. China held 35.5% of exports, the United States 15.4%, and Brazil 10.4%, collectively accounting for 61.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Chile

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports fluctuated significantly, with a 7.6-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2021, Chile imported 109 tons of sheep and goat meat, a sharp decline of 54.6% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 240 tons, and the largest increase that year was 378.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Brazil, and the United States were the primary sources for Chile's sheep and goat meat imports in volume terms. China represented 63.0% of imports, Brazil 12.5%, and the United States 2.3%, together making up 77.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of sheep and goat meat to Chile increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 1 273 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial rise of 162.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports surged by 458.7%, with a CAGR of 77.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three principal markets—China, Brazil, and India—collectively accounted for 65.0% of the total import value of sheep and goat meat to Chile.

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

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