Sheep and goat meat market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for fresh, chilled, or frozen sheep and goat meat in MENA grew overall, despite a slight contraction in 2019. The increase to 3 807 thousand tonnes in 2020 was supported by Jordan's diversification of import sources for red meat through 21 different origins, which enhanced supply chain resilience and strategic stock availability. A further rise to 4 245 thousand tonnes in 2023 coincided with Saudi Arabia's announcement of a 17 billion Saudi riyal investment to boost livestock production and the adoption of technologies like artificial insemination to increase output of sheep and goats.

Market dynamics were also influenced by evolving consumer behavior and industry consolidation. In 2022, fresh processed meat products gained prominence due to consumer preference for their high nutritional content, including L-carnitine, protein, and antioxidants. Earlier, the 2021 acquisition of Adrian's by Fion Food Group aimed to strengthen supply chains and transparency in the beef sector. By 2024, factors such as rising tourism in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and the cultural dominance of lamb in GCC diets continued to shape red meat demand in the region.

Production sheep and goat meat in MENA

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

After two years of decline, sheep and goat meat production in the MENA region rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 3 649 thousand tons, representing a 10.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 312 thousand tons, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018 at 5.2%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. From the peak in 2017 to the trough in 2020, exports changed by a factor of three. In 2020, MENA exported 1.1 thousand tons of sheep and goat meat, marking a 57.8% reduction from the previous year. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018 at 63.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 111.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, exports of sheep and goat meat from MENA were not concentrated in a few key markets. Free Zones (5.5% of exports), Bangladesh (4.6%), and Turkey (2.0%) together accounted for only 12.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat from MENA declined. In 2020, the region exported 11 million US dollars worth of sheep and goat meat, which is 24.8% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 25.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of sheep and goat meat from MENA in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Free Zones (13.5% of exports), Ethiopia (2.3%), and India (2.3%) together captured only 18.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Sheep and goat meat imports into MENA declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 158.8 thousand tons, corresponding to a 17.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 29%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 236.5 thousand tons. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019 at 18.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (46.6% of imports), New Zealand (9.0%), and India (8.2%) dominated the import structure in kind, together representing 63.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat imports into MENA declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 998 million US dollars, marking a 17.8% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 23.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 466 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (48.6% of imports), New Zealand (9.3%), and India (9.1%) accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms, together comprising 67.0% of total import flows.

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

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