Sheep and goat meat market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sheep and goat meat in Tanzania saw considerable movement between 2018 and 2022. Starting from 184.8 thousand tons in 2018, consumption jumped by 19% the following year, reaching 220.6 thousand tons. This initial expansion was supported by rising domestic demand driven by population growth and inbound tourism. After a 7.6% contraction in 2020, the market volume gradually recovered, adding 3.3% in 2021 and 2.6% in 2022 to settle at 215.9 thousand tons.

A dramatic shift occurred in 2023 when the market volume surged by 45% to 313.5 thousand tons. This leap was powered by a larger national herd, with sheep and goat populations rising by 3.2% and 3.6% respectively. Concurrent government strategies under President Samia Suluhu Hassan strengthened the livestock sector through improved slaughter systems, disease control, better breeds, and expanded market access, all of which boosted meat production and domestic availability.

Production sheep and goat meat in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania ranked 28th globally in sheep and goat meat production.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Tanzania's sheep and goat meat production declined. In 2020, the country produced 204.3 thousand tons, marking a moderate 7.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 26%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.0%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 221.1 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 18.9% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Tanzania's sheep and goat meat output was valued at 600.7 million US dollars, up 7.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 28.9%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 603.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 29.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 7.4%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, Tanzania's sheep and goat meat exports rebounded. In 2020, the country exported 514 tons, showing a gradual 6.2% improvement compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 74.5%, translating to an annualized decline rate of 36.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 484 tons, which also experienced the steepest annual drop of 60.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Iraq—collectively accounted for 86.2% of Tanzania's total sheep and goat meat exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Tanzania's sheep and goat meat export value increased. In 2020, exports reached 1 512 thousand US dollars, representing a 23.6% uptick from 2019. Despite this recent growth, exports declined by 73.9% over the 2017-2020 period, with a compound annual decrease of 36.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 223 thousand US dollars, which saw the most substantial annual decline of 68.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, three major markets—the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Oman—dominated Tanzania's sheep and goat meat export value, collectively capturing 88.7% of total exports.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

The import market demonstrated significant volatility during the observed period. From the 2017 high to the 2019 low, import volumes fluctuated dramatically, changing by a factor of 437. In 2020, Tanzania imported 0.3 tons of sheep and goat meat, representing a 151.5% increase from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 tons, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 98.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat by volume were Saudi Arabia (46.1% of imports), Kenya (28.9%), and Australia (22.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 97.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited considerable volatility throughout the observed period. Between 2017 and 2019, values fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1 756 times. In 2020, Tanzania imported 3 thousand US dollars worth of sheep and goat meat, marking a substantial 2 591.5% year-over-year increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, while the most significant annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 98.9% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Tanzania's sheep and goat meat import value was heavily concentrated, with Kenya and Saudi Arabia together accounting for 81.1% of total imports. Other trading partners represented only a small fraction of the remaining imports.

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

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