Sheep and goat meat market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch sheep and goat meat market volume grew from 31 124 tonnes to 37 092 tonnes. This expansion took place while the sector faced ongoing regulatory pressures, such as the integration of ewe premiums into the farm allowance scheme and manure legislation, which contributed to a long-term decline in sheep numbers. Despite these constraints, domestic production rose, supporting the overall market size.

In 2021, the market volume fell to 33 596 tonnes, primarily due to a sharp decrease in imports. Production remained relatively stable, but the structural reduction in sheep herds continued to influence the sector. The market stabilized in 2022 at 33 496 tonnes, as imports recovered and exports increased.

The market volume reached 35 519 tonnes in 2023. This growth was aided by a slight increase in the sheep population to 839 thousand head, which improved production capacity, and by innovation in distribution and product offerings, particularly within the fresh and organic meat segment.

Production sheep and goat meat in the Netherlands

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 the Netherlands grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 37 000 tonnes, marking a 19.4% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 31.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 28 000 tonnes, which saw a slight decline of 0.2%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 24 134 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, representing a 7.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 3.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 25 950 tonnes, which saw a 4.4% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, Belgium, and France—collectively accounted for 58.0% of the Netherlands' 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 the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat exports from the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 197.7 million US dollars, down 7.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 234.3 million US dollars, which saw a 10.0% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019 at 8.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany (31.4% of export value), Belgium (15.9%), and France (11.9%) were the top contributors to the Netherlands' sheep and goat meat exports by value, together making up 59.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat imports to the Netherlands fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 24 146 tonnes, reflecting a 9.5% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 4.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.4%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 27 802 tonnes, which saw a 10.4% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main suppliers—New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia—collectively accounted for 80.8% of the Netherlands' total sheep and goat meat imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat imports to the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 219.5 million US dollars, down 11.2% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.0%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The peak value was in 2018 at 274.0 million US dollars, which saw a 21.1% increase.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, New Zealand (61.9% of import value), the United Kingdom (15.4%), and Australia (8.0%) were the primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat to the Netherlands, jointly accounting for 85.2% of total imports by value.

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

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