South Africa: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in South Africa

The South African lamb and sheep meat market reached $X in 2021, rising by 3% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in South Africa

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% 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 2018 when the production volume increased by 20%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in South Africa reached X kg per head in 2021, picking up by 6.1% compared with the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the yield increased by 13%. Over the period under review, the average 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.

The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in South Africa contracted to X heads in 2021, which is down by -9.5% on 2020 figures. In general, the number of producing animals recorded a mild decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production peaked at X heads in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of lamb and sheep meat increased by 64% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after five years of decline. Overall, exports enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 140%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 165%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons), Qatar (X tons) and Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (X tons) were the main destinations of lamb and sheep meat exports from South Africa, together accounting for 69% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +83.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X), Qatar ($X) and Kuwait ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for lamb and sheep meat exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 76% share of total exports.

The United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of +108.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination 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, rising by 10% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +90.1% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the average export price increased by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha ($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 the United Arab Emirates (+13.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of lamb and sheep meat, when their volume increased by 17% to X tons. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. 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 surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a precipitous descent. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Australia (X tons) constituted the largest lamb and sheep meat supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Namibia (X tons), sevenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Australia stood at -6.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Namibia (-33.4% per year) and New Zealand (-40.7% per year).

In value terms, Australia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to South Africa, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Namibia ($X), with a 17% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Australia stood at -6.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Namibia (-35.8% per year) and New Zealand (-35.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 5.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 New Zealand ($X per ton), while the price for Australia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+9.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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