Sweden: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Sweden

The Swedish lamb and sheep meat market reached $X in 2021, almost unchanged from the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Sweden

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 +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 10% against the previous year. Lamb and sheep meat production peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in Sweden reached X kg per head in 2021, growing by 2.9% on the previous year. In general, the yield continues to indicate a mild increase. As a result, the yield reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Sweden; declining by -4.9% on 2020. Overall, the number of producing animals showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the number of producing animals increased by 4.1% against the previous year. The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production peaked at X heads in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from Sweden

In 2021, shipments abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by -1.7% to X tons, falling for the sixth year in a row after four years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 83%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports stood at $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 83%. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Finland (X tons) was the main destination for lamb and sheep meat exports from Sweden, accounting for a 77% share of total exports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat exports to Finland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Norway (X tons), tenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Denmark (X tons), with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Finland was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Norway (-13.2% per year) and Denmark (+10.5% per year).

In value terms, Finland ($X) remains the key foreign market for lamb and sheep meat exports from Sweden, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Norway ($X), with an 8.2% share of total exports. It was followed by Denmark, with a 5.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Finland stood at +2.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Norway (-13.9% per year) and Denmark (+10.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 3% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Belgium ($X per ton) and Finland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Denmark ($X per ton) and the Netherlands ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Belgium (+11.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into Sweden

In 2021, the amount of lamb and sheep meat imported into Sweden dropped to X tons, with a decrease of -11% against 2020 figures. Overall, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 8.3%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports dropped modestly to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Ireland (X tons) constituted the largest lamb and sheep meat supplier to Sweden, accounting for a 51% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from Ireland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by New Zealand (X tons), with a 17% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Ireland amounted to +8.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+9.0% per year) and New Zealand (-6.4% per year).

In value terms, the largest lamb and sheep meat suppliers to Sweden were Ireland ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and New Zealand ($X), with a combined 87% share of total imports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +11.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 11% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Ireland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Denmark (+4.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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