Sheep and goat meat market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

Production of sheep and goat meat in Mexico grew consistently from 206 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 219 thousand tonnes in 2023. This expansion was supported by the industry's adaptation to new animal welfare regulations and mandatory classification and labeling requirements introduced in 2019-2020, which encouraged operational upgrades and traceability. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily constrained the growth rate of national meat production and limited the expansion of processing plants, yet output continued to rise. A significant boost came in 2022 from growing exports of kid meat, driven by demand from the United States and the European Union, which motivated local producers to expand specialized feeding and processing capacity.

Imports of sheep and goat meat fell sharply from 4.0 thousand tonnes in 2018 to just 0.1 thousand tonnes in 2022. This decline occurred alongside the maintained 20.25% import duty on fresh, chilled, and frozen meat, which influenced import prices, and was likely exacerbated by pandemic-related trade limitations. However, imports rebounded strongly to 3.4 thousand tonnes in 2023 and continued climbing to 6.8 thousand tonnes by 2025, indicating a resurgence in external supply to meet domestic demand.

The total market volume increased from 210 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 222 thousand tonnes in 2023. The most significant annual growth of 2.9% occurred in 2023, coinciding with the surge in import volumes. The market's gradual expansion throughout the period reflects steady domestic production, which was nudged higher by rising consumer demand for ethically sourced and sustainable meat products, alongside the fluctuating import patterns.

Production sheep and goat meat in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Mexico ranked 28th globally in sheep and goat meat production from 2018 to 2021, establishing itself as one of the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

Sheep and goat meat production in Mexico grew for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 212.6 K t. This represented a 1.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 3.4%, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sheep and goat meat from Mexico

According to market data, Mexico did not export any sheep and goat meat between 2018 and 2021.

Imports sheep and goat meat to Mexico

Imports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat imports to Mexico fell for the third straight year in 2021, dropping to 257 t. This marked a sharp 64.0% decline year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports plummeted by 93.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -59.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia and New Zealand continued to be Mexico's primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat, accounting for 89.6% of total imports by volume. The remaining 10.4% was distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of sheep and goat meat imports to Mexico declined for the third consecutive year in 2021, totaling 1 333 K $ US. This reflected a 72.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value dropped by 95.4%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 64.1%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Australia and New Zealand maintained their position as Mexico's main suppliers of sheep and goat meat by value, together representing 90.6% of total imports. The remaining 9.4% was spread across other countries.

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

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