Sheep and goat meat market in China, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese market for sheep and goat meat expanded steadily in volume from 9.8 million tonnes in 2018 to over 11 million tonnes by 2023. A key driver was the significant growth in imports, which increased domestic supply. In 2018 and 2019, rising imports, particularly a 23% surge from Australia and New Zealand, added to the available market volume while simultaneously putting downward pressure on domestic prices. This influx of product supported overall consumption growth.

The market value rose sharply to a peak of $131.0 billion USD in 2021, before moderating. This price volatility was influenced by broader economic conditions and supply-demand imbalances. In 2020, global economic weakness slowed demand growth, leading to oversupply and falling prices, which impacted farmer profits. The subsequent price correction in 2021 further affected production incentives. Despite these value fluctuations, physical production and consumption continued their upward trend, aided by technological advancements in processing and grading by 2023.

Government policy played a growing role in shaping the industry's structure. Initiatives to support a diversified food supply system and adjustments to import tariffs aimed to stabilize the sector. Furthermore, evolving consumer preferences towards healthier, traceable meat products began to influence the market, encouraging supply chain upgrades. The rise of live-streaming e-commerce also emerged as a significant new sales channel, helping to broaden market access for producers.

Production sheep and goat meat in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of sheep and goat meat.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

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

China's sheep and goat meat production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 846 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, production rose by 4.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

China's sheep and goat meat production value continued its upward trend for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 110.5 billion US dollars, reflecting a modest gain of 3.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the production value increased by 32.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of sheep and goat meat by volume fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 1.7 thousand tonnes, representing an 11.7% year-on-year decline. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 66.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.6%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Hong Kong was the primary destination for China's sheep and goat meat exports by volume, accounting for 87.1% of total shipments, while the remaining share was distributed among other partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

China's sheep and goat meat export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 19 million US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 9.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 57.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong dominated China's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms, capturing 89.0% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to China

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, China's sheep and goat meat import volume decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 364.9 thousand tonnes, a 7.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 46.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 13.6%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 392.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 28.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Australia together supplied 97.6% of China's sheep and goat meat imports by volume, with other countries contributing a diverse but smaller share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, China's sheep and goat meat import value declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 744 million US dollars, indicating a 6.3% reduction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 98.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.7%. The highest value was reached in 2019 at 1 861 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 49.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia accounted for 97.6% of China's sheep and goat meat imports by value, with other countries forming a varied but less significant portion.

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

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