Sheep and goat meat market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The sheep and goat meat market in Western Asia began a sustained expansion from 2018, rising from 2.6 million tons to over 3.7 million tons by 2023. This initial growth was supported by a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more sustainable proteins, which boosted demand. Concurrently, improvements in regional breeding and feeding practices enhanced production efficiency, while the entry of new export-oriented players and the opening of key processing and cold storage facilities strengthened the supply chain.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the adoption of frozen products and e-commerce sales channels, which helped maintain consumption despite initial supply chain disruptions. The market's recovery was further aided by significant investments in cold chain infrastructure and logistics from 2021, alongside stricter food safety and traceability regulations that improved product quality and consumer confidence.

Market growth continued through 2022 and 2023, driven by the consolidation and capacity expansion of large state-owned and private producers. The launch of new product segments, including organic and halal-certified options, catered to evolving consumer demands and opened additional market avenues, contributing to the overall increase in volume.

Production sheep and goat meat in Western 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 Western Asia has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2,861 thousand tons, representing a 10.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Sheep and goat meat exports from Western Asia fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 1.5 thousand tons, a sharp decline of 79.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 86.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -49.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran (56.7% of exports by volume), Free Zones (1.9%), and Bangladesh (1.6%) were the primary export partners, collectively accounting for 60.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat export volumes from Western Asia decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 14 million US dollars, down 68.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 74.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 70 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 30.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Iran (60.5% of exports by value), Free Zones (3.6%), and Germany (1.0%) were the main buyers of sheep and goat meat from Western Asia, together making up 65.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Sheep and goat meat imports into Western Asia declined for the third straight year. In 2020, imports amounted to 154.2 thousand tons, a moderate decrease of 8.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 24.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 8.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia (48.9% of imports by volume), New Zealand (10.4%), and India (9.0%) led as the top suppliers of sheep and goat meat to Western Asia, with their combined share reaching 68.3% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat import volumes into Western Asia dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 968 million US dollars, an 8.4% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 17.3%, averaging a 6.1% annual reduction. The highest value was in 2018 at 1,197 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 2.3%, while 2019 recorded the steepest decline of 11.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Australia (51.1% of imports by value), New Zealand (11.0%), and India (10.2%) remained the key sources for imports, together comprising 72.3% of total import value.

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

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