Sheep and goat meat market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, South America's sheep and goat meat market volume grew from 612.9 thousand tons to 650.5 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by strong international export growth, particularly from Uruguay, and rising global demand for lean meat from health-conscious consumers. Even the COVID-19 pandemic's supply chain disruptions in 2020 did not halt production, as processors adopted advanced freezing and packaging technologies to ensure product quality and safety.

Market volume saw a moderate correction to 634.8 thousand tons in 2021, yet the market value increased due to significant inflationary pressures and a 15% rise in import prices for fresh or chilled lamb. Recovery in regional tourism from 2022 onward boosted demand for chilled meat in the foodservice sector, helping volume recover to 649.2 thousand tons by 2023. However, the market value fell in 2023 as export values declined, reflecting shifts in global demand and ongoing cost inflation affecting producers.

Consumer preferences consistently shifted toward fresh and minimally processed cuts throughout the period, expanding the chilled product segment. Several countries implemented stricter labeling and traceability regulations to enhance food safety transparency. Breeding programs were expanded to secure future supply, while sustainable practices and efficiency technologies gained adoption to reduce waste.

Production sheep and goat meat in South America

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 South America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 669.4 K t of sheep and goat meat, representing a modest rise of 2.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's sheep and goat meat production has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 154 M $ US, down by 16.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 16.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 724 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.8%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from South America

Exports in kind, t

Foreign sheep and goat meat supplies from South America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 22 157 t, showing a rise of 20.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 264 t, which also saw the largest decline of 26.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were the principal buyers of sheep and goat meat from South America, accounting for 42.6%, 4.5%, and 3.3% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 50.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat exports from South America have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume was recorded at 118.2 M $ US, up by 6.3% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 18%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were among the largest buyers of sheep and goat meat from South America in value terms, accounting for 33.7%, 4.9%, and 4.4% of exports, respectively. However, even combined, they represented just 43.0% of total exports in value terms, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to South America

Imports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat deliveries to South America have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 314 t, marking a dramatic decline of 40.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 51.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 978 t, which also saw the largest increase of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and China were the principal markets for imports in kind of sheep and goat meat to South America, jointly accounting for 3.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat volumes imported by South America have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, South America imported approximately 22.3 M $ US of sheep and goat meat, indicating a decrease of 33.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 46%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 49.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 20.0%.

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

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

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