Sheep and goat meat market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey's sheep and goat meat production grew steadily from 748 thousand tons to 961 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by state policy, notably the activity of Et ve Süt Kurumu (the Meat and Milk Board), which renewed its contracts to supply meat to public institutions, creating stable demand. Additionally, in 2019, registered breeders received direct financial support of 100 TL per animal, encouraging herd expansion.

Growth accelerated sharply in 2022, with output jumping to 1 211 thousand tons and reaching 1 396 thousand tons in 2023. A key driver was a substantial increase in livestock numbers, with the sheep flock rising by 2.8% and goats by 3.1% in 2022. Strong domestic demand and higher meat prices further supported production. In 2023, genetic improvements in the small ruminant sector contributed to greater productivity and higher output volumes.

Production sheep and goat meat Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Turkey ranked seventh globally in sheep and goat meat production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

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

Turkey's sheep and goat meat production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 872.2 thousand tons, marking a moderate 8.1% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat production in Turkey declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 8 293 million US dollars, reflecting a 2.0% drop year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 119 million US dollars. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019 at 7.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2019 and hit a low in 2020, with a 2.5-fold difference between them. In 2020, Turkey's foreign sheep and goat meat supplies reached 209.2 tons, showing a sharp 60.8% decline compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 533.2 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 104.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey's sheep and goat meat exports in kind were distributed across a broad range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 9.8% of exports, Iraq for 9.4%, and the United Arab Emirates for 5.8%, together making up just 25.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports changed by 2.9-fold from the peak in 2018 to the trough in 2020. In 2020, Turkey's sheep and goat meat exports totaled 1 990 thousand US dollars, down 64.4% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 676 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 101.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates contributed 11.6% of exports in value terms, Germany 11.4%, and Kuwait 7.8%, forming the largest group of buyers for Turkey's sheep and goat meat. However, their combined share was limited to 30.8% of total exports, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports sheep and goat meat in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat to Turkey declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 169.9 tons, which is 59.5% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 64.8%, with an average annual decline of 29.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 509.8 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 5.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand accounted for 58.3% of imports in kind, Australia for 18.0%, and Spain for 10.0%, together forming the core of imports and taking 86.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sheep and goat meat imports into Turkey declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 610 thousand US dollars, representing a 62.4% fall compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 59.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 007 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand dominated imports in value terms, accounting for 74.0% of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented remainder.

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

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