Saudi Arabia: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Saudi Arabia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in the Saudi lamb and sheep meat market, when its value decreased by -2.2% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Lamb and sheep meat consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production shrank slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +55.2% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 34%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, leveling off in the following year.

In 2021, the average yield of lamb and sheep meat in Saudi Arabia was estimated at X kg per head, remaining relatively unchanged against 2020 figures. Overall, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 1% against the previous year. The lamb and sheep meat yield peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Saudi Arabia fell to X heads, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year's figure. In general, the number of producing animals recorded a mild setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 4.8%. Over the period under review, this number attained the peak level at X heads in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2021, approx. X tons of lamb and sheep meat were exported from Saudi Arabia; waning by -35.3% compared with 2020 figures. In general, exports recorded a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 26%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports reduced markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports faced a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 49%. 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

Yemen (X tons) was the main destination for lamb and sheep meat exports from Saudi Arabia, with a 35% share of total exports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat exports to Yemen exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Jordan (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Sudan (X tons), with an 8.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Yemen amounted to -12.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Jordan (-16.8% per year) and Sudan (+15.8% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for lamb and sheep meat exported from Saudi Arabia were Sudan ($X), Bangladesh ($X) and Oman ($X), with a combined 45% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Oman, with a CAGR of +27.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat export price amounted to $X per ton, flattening at the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, lamb and sheep meat export price increased by +98.8% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 53%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Jordan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Egypt (+394.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into Saudi Arabia

In 2021, the amount of lamb and sheep meat imported into Saudi Arabia reduced to X tons, shrinking by -11.9% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 30%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Australia (X tons), New Zealand (X tons) and Sudan (X tons) were the main suppliers of lamb and sheep meat imports to Saudi Arabia, together comprising 82% of total imports. Spain, India, Argentina, Kenya, Ethiopia and Pakistan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +68.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lamb and sheep meat suppliers to Saudi Arabia were Australia ($X), New Zealand ($X) and Sudan ($X), together accounting for 85% of total imports. Spain, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Argentina and Ethiopia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 13%.

Among the main suppliers, Spain, with a CAGR of +75.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 7.3% 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 appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 15%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Pakistan ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan (+6.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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