Benelux: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Benelux

The Benelux lamb and sheep meat market fell sharply to $X in 2021, which is down by -23.2% against the previous year. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a pronounced slump. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Benelux

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

The Netherlands (X tons) remains the largest lamb and sheep meat producing country in Benelux, accounting for 85% of total volume. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat production in the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Belgium (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume in the Netherlands stood at +2.1%.

The average lamb and sheep meat yield totaled X kg per head in 2021, remaining stable against 2020. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the yield increased by 3.4% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X kg per head. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the lamb and sheep meat yield remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Benelux; remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. This number increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the number of producing animals increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, the number of animals produced attained the peak level of X heads, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, approx. X tons of lamb and sheep meat were exported in Benelux; waning by -4.3% against the previous year's figure. Total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +14.4% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 22%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then fell slightly in the following year.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +37.9% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 22%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands was the largest exporter of lamb and sheep meat in Benelux, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 74% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), constituting a 26% share of total exports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the lamb and sheep meat exports, with a CAGR of +8.6% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of the Netherlands (+17 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-17.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest lamb and sheep meat supplier in Benelux, comprising 73% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 27% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the Netherlands totaled +9.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, growing by 21% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a slight increase. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+1.0%).

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports in Benelux

Lamb and sheep meat imports dropped notably to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -21.8% on the year before. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then contracted notably in the following year.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports shrank to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands represented the key importing country with an import of about X tons, which recorded 60% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), comprising a 38% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +4.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Belgium ($X) and Luxembourg ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021.

In terms of the main importing countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +5.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 14% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (+5.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform