U.S.: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in the U.S.

The U.S. lamb and sheep meat market soared to $X in 2021, growing by 27% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in the U.S.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production expanded sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Lamb and sheep meat production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in the United States declined slightly to X kg per head in 2021, which is down by -1.8% on 2020 figures. In general, the yield showed a slight shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the yield increased by 1.3%. Over the period under review, the average lamb and sheep meat yield reached the maximum level at X kg per head in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in the United States was estimated at X heads in 2021, growing by 1.6% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the number of producing animals increased by 6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number reached the peak level at X heads in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, approx. X tons of lamb and sheep meat were exported from the United States; with an increase of 8% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports, however, showed a abrupt descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a deep contraction. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Cayman Islands (X tons) and the Dominican Republic (X tons) were the main destinations of lamb and sheep meat exports from the United States, with a combined 53% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Bahamas, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Saint Maarten (Dutch part), Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the UK, Japan and Canada, which together accounted for a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the UK (with a CAGR of +83.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Mexico ($X), the Dominican Republic ($X) and Bermuda ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for lamb and sheep meat exported from the United States worldwide, together accounting for 38% of total exports. Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Maarten (Dutch part), Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Barbados, Japan and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 42%.

Among the main countries of destination, the UK, with a CAGR of +59.3%, 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

The average lamb and sheep meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 15% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.4%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 28% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Bermuda ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($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 Dominican Republic (+7.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, imports of lamb and sheep meat into the United States soared to X tons, jumping by 20% on the previous year's figure. In general, imports posted a prominent expansion. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Australia (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to the United States, with a 78% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, New Zealand (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Australia stood at +11.4%.

In value terms, Australia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to the United States, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by New Zealand ($X), with a 25% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Australia totaled +11.2%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat 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 totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (-0.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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