Iraq: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Iraq

The Iraqi lamb and sheep meat market shrank to $X in 2021, declining by -7.7% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Iraq

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 35%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in Iraq shrank modestly to X kg per head in 2021, almost unchanged from 2020. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 22%. The lamb and sheep meat yield peaked at X kg per head in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Iraq amounted to X heads, approximately equating the previous year. In general, the number of producing animals, however, recorded a mild slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the number of producing animals increased by 1.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number reached the maximum level at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from Iraq

Lamb and sheep meat exports from Iraq declined notably to X kg in 2020, waning by -90.9% on 2019. In general, exports showed a significant decrease. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2020, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports shrank markedly to $X in 2020. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a precipitous slump. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2020, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X kg) was the main destination for lamb and sheep meat exports from Iraq, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2014 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United Arab Emirates was relatively modest.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for lamb and sheep meat exports from Iraq.

From 2014 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value to the United Arab Emirates was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2020, with an increase of 7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a pronounced reduction. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2020, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the United Arab Emirates.

From 2014 to 2020, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to 0.0% per year.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into Iraq

In 2021, purchases abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by -17.7% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports saw a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports reduced to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a abrupt setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 57% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) constituted the largest lamb and sheep meat supplier to Iraq, with a 55% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from the United Arab Emirates exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Jordan (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Turkey (X tons), with a 7.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United Arab Emirates amounted to +10.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Jordan (-27.5% per year) and Turkey (-1.7% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Turkey ($X) were the largest lamb and sheep meat suppliers to Iraq, with a combined 56% share of total imports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +27.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 9.7% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 19% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+53.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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