Sheep and goat meat market in Oceania

Earlier Report Observations

The sheep and goat meat market in Oceania saw its volume gradually decline from 1 584 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 423 thousand tons in 2021. This contraction was influenced by the cessation of subsidies for chilled sheepmeat in Australia, which reduced incentives for production, while in 2020, challenges around affordability and familiarity in developed markets like Australia further restrained consumption.

From 2021 onward, the market rebounded, reaching 1 687 thousand tons by 2023. This recovery was driven by strong export demand from China for lamb, which stimulated production, and significant industry consolidation such as Minerva Foods' acquisition of Marfrig's cattle and sheep slaughtering operations in South America, enhancing regional processing capacity.

Underlying these shifts, global goat meat consumption rose by 18% due to increased purchasing power and health awareness, while investments in breeding programs added an estimated 8 million animals to national herds, supporting longer-term supply stability for the market.

Production sheep and goat meat in Oceania

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 Oceania has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 271 thousand tons of sheep and goat meat, marking a modest decrease of 5.8% compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 462 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of sheep and goat meat production in Oceania has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 14 153 million US dollars, down by 5.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 15 081 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oceania in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from Oceania

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Oceania's cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 825.0 thousand tons, reflecting a decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 895.5 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom were the primary markets for Oceania's sheep and goat meat exports in volume terms. China accounted for 38.1% of exports, the United States for 12.8%, and the United Kingdom for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented 57.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Oceania's sheep and goat meat exports declined in value terms. In 2020, exports were valued at 5 142 million US dollars, which is 7.8% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 6.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 5 578 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 12.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom formed the core of Oceania's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms. China accounted for 28.0% of export value, the United States for 18.6%, and the United Kingdom for 6.7%. Collectively, these three markets represented 53.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Oceania

Imports in kind, K t

Sheep and goat meat imports into Oceania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 7.0 thousand tons, marking a 20.0% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 53.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and the United Kingdom together accounted for the main share of sheep and goat meat imports into Oceania in volume terms, representing 2.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of sheep and goat meat to Oceania declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 104 million US dollars, which is 3.6% lower than in 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 110 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the leading supplier of sheep and goat meat to Oceania in value terms, accounting for 0.9% of total imports.

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

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