Sheep and goat meat market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sheep and goat meat in Croatia showed initial stability, with volume edging up from 1 957 tonnes in 2018 to 1 987 tonnes in 2019. However, it contracted sharply to 1 376 tonnes in 2020.

A recovery phase followed from 2021 to 2023, with market volume steadily climbing each year to reach 2 022 tonnes by 2023. This growth was primarily supported by rising imports, which more than offset a decline in domestic production over the period.

In 2024, the market volume grew further to 2 297 tonnes, fueled by a significant increase in imports to 2 137 tonnes. A key driver was the reduction of the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 13% to 5% on the supply of live animals and fresh or chilled meat, which likely stimulated demand. Additionally, mandatory meat labeling rules requiring the declaration of the animal's country of birth, rearing, slaughter, and cutting provided greater transparency for consumers.

Production sheep and goat meat in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's sheep and goat meat production was valued at 2 337 thousand US dollars, representing a 27.4% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 26.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 3 217 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 2.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

Croatia's sheep and goat meat production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 306.0 tonnes, down 29.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 35.2%, averaging an annual decline of 13.5%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's sheep and goat meat exports declined. In 2020, the country exported 45 tonnes, marking a sharp 62.7% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 45.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -18.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 119 tonnes, when exports saw their largest increase of 35.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia's sheep and goat meat exports were heavily concentrated on Slovenia and Serbia, which together accounted for 80.6% of total export volumes. Other trading partners represented only a minor share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, Croatia's sheep and goat meat export values declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 354 thousand US dollars, a 61.2% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export values fell by 45.3%, averaging an annual decline of 18.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 912 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 30.2% also recorded that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia and Serbia dominated Croatia's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms, jointly representing 82.7% of total export flows. Other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's sheep and goat meat import volumes declined. In 2020, the country imported 1 114 tonnes, a sharp 33.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.6%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 1 673 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Romania were the leading sources for Croatia's sheep and goat meat imports by volume. Bulgaria accounted for 35.3%, North Macedonia for 31.2%, and Romania for 16.1%, together making up 82.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of increase, Croatia's sheep and goat meat import values declined. In 2020, imports totaled 7 324 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 35.6% year-on-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, import values decreased by 19.6%, averaging an annual decline of 7.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 11 367 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 18.7% recorded in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets — Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Romania — together accounted for 72.1% of Croatia's total sheep and goat meat import value.

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

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