Sheep and goat meat market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The GCC sheep and goat meat market volume grew from 835.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 000.8 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was initially driven by Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on imports from the United Kingdom, which opened new supply channels. Government-run health campaigns promoting healthier protein sources and the entry of new players further stimulated consumer demand and market activity during this period.

Market volume contracted to 965.9 thousand tons in 2021 and fell more significantly to 865.1 thousand tons in 2022. This downturn aligned with global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures that impacted product availability and cost. A strong recovery followed in 2023, with consumption reaching 1 101.1 thousand tons, supported by stricter halal certification and traceability requirements, as well as the introduction of new product segments like vacuum-sealed cuts to meet evolving consumer preferences.

In 2024, the sector continued to evolve with regulatory policies emphasizing food safety and halal compliance. Technological advancements in freezing and packaging were adopted to improve shelf life and product quality, while expansion of breeding programs in key exporting countries aimed to stabilize future supply for the GCC region.

Production sheep and goat meat in GCC

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

Sheep and goat meat production in the GCC has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 868.4 thousand tons, marking a significant 13.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 34.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.3%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

GCC exports of sheep and goat meat have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region shipped 1.1 thousand tons abroad, down 18.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 64.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 29.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, Bangladesh, and Yemen were the top buyers of GCC sheep and goat meat, accounting for 6.2%, 5.1%, and 4.6% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was just 15.9% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, GCC sheep and goat meat exports in value terms declined in 2020, reaching 8 million US dollars—a sharp 38.6% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 13 million US dollars, while the largest yearly increase of 51.5% occurred in 2018.

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

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. Iraq, Yemen, and Ethiopia accounted for 8.7%, 7.9%, and 2.9% of exports in value, respectively, totaling just 19.5% of flows. The remaining 80.5% went to various other partners, highlighting the market's diversity.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

GCC imports of sheep and goat meat have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 1.1 thousand tons, reflecting a moderate 5.9% reduction from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 22.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, India, and Ethiopia were the primary sources of sheep and goat meat imports to the GCC, making up 50.1%, 10.5%, and 8.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they accounted for 68.7% of total imports, solidifying their position as key suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

GCC imports of sheep and goat meat in value terms declined for the second consecutive year, reaching 828 million US dollars in 2020—a 5.9% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.9%, with an average annual decline of 5.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 006 million US dollars, while the largest yearly decrease of 12.5% occurred in 2019 and the largest increase of 2.3% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia, India, and Ethiopia dominated GCC sheep and goat meat imports in value terms, accounting for 52.6%, 12.1%, and 8.0% of imports, respectively. Their combined share totaled 72.7% of all import flows, underscoring their significant role in the market.

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

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