Sheep and goat meat market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sheep and goat meat in Lithuania expanded from 193.6 tons in 2018 to 216.3 tons in 2019, then stabilized at 214.6 tons in 2020 before contracting sharply to 173.3 tons in 2021. This overall period was shaped by the broader EU context where over 70 million sheep and goats are reared, often in economically vulnerable areas, influencing supply through common agricultural policy and livestock statistics.

Market volume rebounded to 210.6 tons in 2022, driven by a 3.77% increase in domestic production of beef and sheep meat during the first eight months of that year. Growth continued to 254.2 tons in 2023, supported by shifting consumer preferences toward higher-quality meat and animal welfare, as well as improved retail availability through chains like Iki focusing on fresh product delivery.

In 2024, the market declined to 229.1 tons, influenced by macroeconomic headwinds, geopolitical tensions, and weakened investor confidence that affected transaction markets. Additionally, food price inflation for items like sheep meat, linked to structural market deficiencies and inelastic demand, contributed to reduced consumption volumes.

Production sheep and goat meat in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Lithuania's sheep and goat meat production has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 271.0 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 17.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 37.8%, with an average annual decline of 14.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 230.0 thousand US dollars, which saw the steepest drop of 28.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

Following two years of growth, sheep and goat meat production in Lithuania experienced a downturn. In 2021, Lithuania produced 134.3 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, representing a sharp 20.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 11.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest output was recorded in 2020 at 169.8 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 25.5%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat exports from Lithuania have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 51.9 tonnes, showing a substantial 69.1% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 144.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 34.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 20.5 tonnes, which experienced a decline of 3.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Sweden, and Estonia consistently served as the main destinations for Lithuania's sheep and goat meat exports, accounting for 46.9%, 30.7%, and 20.9% of export volumes respectively. Together, these three countries represented 98.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's sheep and goat meat exports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 479 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 80.2% year-over-year growth. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value surged by 178.9%, with an average annual increase of 40.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Latvia, Sweden, and Estonia remained the dominant markets for Lithuania's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 98.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania imported 90.9 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, representing a notable 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 3.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 75.5 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 101.5 tonnes. The steepest drop occurred in 2020 with a 25.6% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Latvia, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of sheep and goat meat imports to Lithuania, accounting for 30.3%, 25.3%, and 18.9% of import volumes respectively. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Lithuania's sheep and goat meat imports have increased. In 2021, imports reached approximately 988 thousand US dollars, marking a 28.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 7.4%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 769 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decrease of 21.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Spain were the primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat to Lithuania in value terms, accounting for 36.4%, 18.8%, and 18.0% of import values respectively. Together, these three countries represented 73.2% of total import flows.

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

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