MERCOSUR: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR lamb and sheep meat market increased by 2.5% to $X, rising for the fourth consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 6.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in MERCOSUR

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 7.5%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Brazil (X tons), Argentina (X tons) and Peru (X tons), with a combined 81% share of total production. Uruguay, Chile and Ecuador lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by Uruguay (with a CAGR of +2.5%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2021, the average yield of lamb and sheep meat in MERCOSUR reduced slightly to X kg per head, which is down by -2.6% compared with the previous year. In general, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 5%. Over the period under review, the lamb and sheep meat yield reached the maximum level at X kg per head in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in MERCOSUR totaled X heads, standing approx. at the year before. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 5.5%. The level of producing animals peaked at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, lamb and sheep meat exports in MERCOSUR reduced slightly to X tons, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Overall, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports stood at $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 23%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Uruguay represented the major exporter of lamb and sheep meat in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was approx. 58% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons) and Argentina (X tons), together comprising a 41% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Chile (with a CAGR of +2.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest lamb and sheep meat supplying countries in MERCOSUR were Uruguay ($X), Chile ($X) and Argentina ($X), together accounting for 99% of total exports.

Chile, with a CAGR of +3.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 9.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the export price increased by 11% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+0.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, purchases abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by -6% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, imports showed a pronounced decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports reached $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 28% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil dominates imports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 94% of total imports in 2021. Chile (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -4.3% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Chile (+24.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +24.1% from 2012-2021. While the share of Chile (+3.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Brazil (-2.5 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lamb and sheep meat in MERCOSUR, comprising 93% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Chile ($X), with a 4.6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil stood at -1.9%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, surging by 11% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Brazil totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+2.6%).

Source: IndexBox Platform