MERCOSUR: Sheep Leather Market 2025

Sheep Leather Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR sheep leather market soared to $X in 2021, jumping by 22% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -15.1% against 2019 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sheep Leather Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, sheep leather production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -16.0% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 36%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sheep Leather Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of sheep or lamb skin leather exported in MERCOSUR shrank to X square meters, which is down by -3.8% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a dramatic contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X square meters in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sheep leather exports expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil represented the major exporting country with an export of about X square meters, which finished at 51% of total exports. Chile (X square meters) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Uruguay (X square meters). All these countries together held approx. 36% share of total exports. The following exporters - Argentina (X square meters), Peru (X square meters) and Ecuador (X square meters) - together made up 12% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Chile (with a CAGR of +19.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest sheep leather supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ecuador ($X), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with a 4.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil totaled -7.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Ecuador (+13.7% per year) and Chile (-5.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per square meter, with an increase of 9.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the export price increased by 60% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per square meter. From 2020 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Ecuador ($X per square meter), while Chile ($X per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador (+20.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sheep Leather Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

Sheep leather imports surged to X square meters in 2021, picking up by 150% against the previous year's figure. In general, imports showed a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 175%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X square meters in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sheep leather imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 231%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil prevails in imports structure, reaching X square meters, which was near 93% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Ecuador (X square meters), constituting a 4.9% share of total imports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sheep or lamb skin leather imports, with a CAGR of +5.8% from 2012 to 2021. Ecuador (-12.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+31 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Ecuador (-12.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sheep or lamb skin leather in MERCOSUR, comprising 90% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ecuador ($X), with a 2.4% share of total imports.

In Brazil, sheep leather imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per square meter in 2021, with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 35%. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per square meter in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per square meter), while Ecuador stood at $X per square meter.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador (-5.0%).

Source: IndexBox Platform