Sheep and goat meat market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the South African sheep and goat meat market volume declined from 353.8 thousand tons to 345.6 thousand tons. The market was initially supported by rising consumer incomes and sustained demand linked to cultural preferences. However, increasing export activity and a production focus on resilient indigenous breeds, which aimed to improve efficiency, began to alter domestic supply dynamics.

From 2021 to 2023, the market contracted further to 326.3 thousand tons. This was primarily driven by a global reduction in meat offers from major exporters like New Zealand and Australia, which created strong opportunities for South African producers to increase exports. The resultant shift in production toward foreign markets reduced domestic availability, a trend that continued amid steady consumer preference for fresh meat sold through supermarkets and butcheries.

The period was marked by sustained export growth, which rose from 0.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 6.2 thousand tons in 2023 and reached 12 thousand tons in 2025. This significant reorientation of supply toward international markets was a key factor in the declining volume available for domestic consumption over these years.

Production sheep and goat meat in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 19th globally in sheep and goat meat production.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

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

South Africa's sheep and goat meat production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 335.7 K t of sheep and goat meat, marking a slight decrease of 2.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 349.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 0.5%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of growth, South Africa's sheep and goat meat production value declined. In 2021, the output was valued at 1 791 M $ US, down 15.3% from 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production value increased by 12.9%, averaging 4.1% growth per year. The peak value occurred in 2020 at 2 113 M $ US, while the largest annual increase was in 2019 at 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The highest export volume was recorded in 2021, while the lowest was in 2019, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.7 times. South Africa exported 3 048 t of sheep and goat meat in 2021, representing a sharp increase of 107.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 654 t in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 4.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 125.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for South Africa's sheep and goat meat exports in volume terms were Qatar (23.1% of exports), Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (16.7%), and the United Arab Emirates (16.4%). Together, these three markets accounted for 56.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa's sheep and goat meat export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 16 261 K $ US, showing an 80.5% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value surged by 417.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 73.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Qatar (32.3% of export value), the United Arab Emirates (21.7%), and Kuwait (6.5%) remained the top buyers of South African sheep and goat meat. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 60.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, South Africa's sheep and goat meat imports increased. In 2021, import volume reached 2 011 t, up 20.3% from 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 72.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 35.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 672 t, which also saw the largest drop of 58.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia and Australia were the dominant suppliers of sheep and goat meat to South Africa, together accounting for 91.8% of total import volume. Other partners played a relatively minor role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, South Africa's sheep and goat meat import value increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 407 K $ US, up 28.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value fell by 77.6%, with an average annual decline of 39.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 421 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decrease of 68.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia and Australia together captured 91.8% of South Africa's total sheep and goat meat import value. The remaining imports were distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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