Middle East: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern lamb and sheep meat market was estimated at $X in 2021, increasing by 4.9% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in the Middle East

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production expanded remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Turkey (X tons), Iran (X tons) and Syrian Arab Republic (X tons), with a combined 67% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +6.4%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2021, the average yield of lamb and sheep meat in the Middle East shrank to X kg per head, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year's figure. In general, the yield showed a mild reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 3.1%. The level of yield peaked at X kg per head in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in the Middle East rose significantly to X heads, picking up by 13% compared with 2020 figures. This number increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the amount of producing animals attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, shipments abroad of lamb and sheep meat increased by 69% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, recorded a slight downturn. The volume of export peaked 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 soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Turkey (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the largest exporters of lamb and sheep meat in the Middle East, together finishing at approx. 65% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Jordan (X tons), Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Oman (X tons), together making up a 27% share of total exports. Iran (X tons) held a minor share 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 Turkey (with a CAGR of +58.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) emerged as the largest lamb and sheep meat supplier in the Middle East, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by Jordan, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Turkey amounted to +54.7%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+4.1% per year) and Jordan (-1.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -2.8% against the previous year. Export price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the export price increased by 30%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2020, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while Oman ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Jordan (+4.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, supplies from abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by -11.5% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports continue to indicate a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 34%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates (X tons), distantly followed by Qatar (X tons), Saudi Arabia (X tons), Iran (X tons), Kuwait (X tons), Jordan (X tons), Oman (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) were the main importers of lamb and sheep meat, together mixing up 96% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Iran (with a CAGR of +7.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lamb and sheep meat in the Middle East, comprising 30% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Qatar ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with a 13% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, lamb and sheep meat imports increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Qatar (+1.9% per year) and Saudi Arabia (-7.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, rising by 6.4% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the import price increased by 12%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Bahrain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+4.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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