Sheep and goat meat market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The sheep and goat meat market in Southern Asia grew consistently from 6.3 million tons in 2018 to 8.6 million tons in 2023. This initial expansion was supported by the operation of export-oriented chilled and frozen meat processing plants, which increased production capacity, and a mandatory livestock vaccination program that improved herd health and meat supply. Investments in mandi infrastructure and producer cooperatives further strengthened marketing channels, leveraging the region's large sheep and goat populations.

From 2021 onward, rising incomes, urbanization, and a growing middle class accelerated domestic demand. The rapid proliferation of retail stores and cold chain facilities made frozen meat products more accessible, while a consumer shift toward convenient, ready-to-eat options spurred product innovation. Regulatory changes, including new halal certification requirements for exports, influenced trade dynamics, with major exporters like Allanasons and HMA Agro Industries consolidating their market positions.

Production sheep and goat meat in Southern Asia

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 Southern Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 6 987 K t of sheep and goat meat, marking a modest rise of 6.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 272 K t, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, with a decrease of 0.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Southern Asia's sheep and goat meat production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 46 076 M $ US, showing a 5.1% improvement over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat exports from Southern Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 6 830 t, which is 18.7% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 136.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (35.6% of exports in kind), the United Arab Emirates (32.2% of exports in kind), and Kuwait (8.5% of exports in kind) were the key partners for exports in kind, collectively accounting for 76.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat exports from Southern Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume amounted to 45.0 M $ US, representing a robust rise of 17.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 147.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 35.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (36.6% of exports in value terms), the United Arab Emirates (31.8% of exports in value terms), and Qatar (8.4% of exports in value terms) were the main markets for exports in value terms of sheep and goat meat from Southern Asia, jointly accounting for 76.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 7.1-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Southern Asia's sheep and goat meat import volume was 5 971 t, representing a 77.5% decline from the previous year. The highest import level was recorded in 2018 at 42 125 t, while the largest increase occurred in the same year, with a rise of 85.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (25.7% of imports in kind), Russia (20.1% of imports in kind), and Georgia (14.2% of imports in kind) played leading roles in imports in kind of sheep and goat meat to Southern Asia, collectively accounting for 60.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Peak imports occurred in 2018, with a trough in 2020, showing an 8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, sheep and goat meat deliveries to Southern Asia totaled 36.8 M $ US, corresponding to a sharp decrease of 78.2% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 296.2 M $ US, while the largest increase was in the same year, with a rise of 107.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (28.9% of imports in value terms), Russia (20.5% of imports in value terms), and Georgia (13.8% of imports in value terms) were the main markets for imports in value terms of sheep and goat meat to Southern Asia, jointly accounting for 63.2% of total flows.

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

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