Camel Meat Market

The global camel meat market is forecasted to show steady growth over the next eight years, with consumption expected to reach 695K tons and a market value of $3.1B by 2030. Global consumption of camel meat increased slightly to 605K tons in 2022, with Sudan leading in both consumption and production. The market is driven by increasing demand worldwide, with camel meat imports and exports also on the rise. Oman is the major importer, while the United Arab Emirates leads in exports. The average camel meat yield and number of animals slaughtered for production have been consistent, with fluctuations observed in recent years. Overall, the camel meat market is expected to continue its positive trend in the coming years.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for camel meat worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 695K tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $3.1B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Camel Meat

Global camel meat consumption expanded slightly to 605K tons in 2022, growing by 4.7% on the previous year. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 8.9% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

The global camel meat market revenue amounted to $2.3B in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a slight contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 4.9%. Global consumption peaked at $2.6B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of camel meat consumption was Sudan (148K tons), comprising approx. 25% of total volume. Moreover, camel meat consumption in Sudan exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Saudi Arabia (74K tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Kenya (53K tons), with an 8.7% share.

In Sudan, camel meat consumption remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+5.3% per year) and Kenya (-2.0% per year).

In value terms, Sudan ($703M) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by Saudi Arabia ($227M). It was followed by Kenya.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Sudan totaled -4.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+6.2% per year) and Kenya (-2.3% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of camel meat per capita consumption in 2022 were Mauritania (5.5 kg per person), Mongolia (4.4 kg per person) and the United Arab Emirates (3.9 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mongolia (with a CAGR of +9.0%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Camel Meat

In 2022, the amount of camel meat produced worldwide stood at 606K tons, increasing by 4.7% against 2021 figures. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak volume in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a tangible increase of the number of producing animals and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In value terms, camel meat production dropped to $2.1B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 5.1%. Global production peaked at $2.7B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

Sudan (148K tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of camel meat production, accounting for 24% of total volume. Moreover, camel meat production in Sudan exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Saudi Arabia (74K tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Kenya (53K tons), with an 8.7% share.

In Sudan, camel meat production remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+5.3% per year) and Kenya (-2.0% per year).

Yield

The global average camel meat yield reached 210 kg per head in 2022, picking up by 1.8% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the yield increased by 7.8% against the previous year. The global yield peaked at 222 kg per head in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum.

Producing Animals

The global number of animals slaughtered for camel meat production amounted to 2.9M heads in 2022, increasing by 2.9% on the year before. This number increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number reached the maximum level in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports

World Imports of Camel Meat

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas purchases of camel meat, when their volume increased by 9.3% to 2.6K tons. In general, imports continue to indicate a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 126%. Over the period under review, global imports reached the maximum at 3.5K tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, camel meat imports skyrocketed to $12M in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 123% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the peak figure at $16M in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports By Country

In 2022, Oman (1.8K tons) represented the major importer of camel meat, generating 68% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Morocco (354 tons) and the United States (197 tons), together achieving a 21% share of total imports. The following importers - Kuwait (109 tons) and Egypt (68 tons) - together made up 6.7% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to camel meat imports into Oman stood at +52.9%. At the same time, Kuwait (+62.7%), Egypt (+59.1%), Morocco (+2.8%) and the United States (+1.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kuwait emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +62.7% from 2012-2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Oman, Morocco, Kuwait and Egypt increased by +63, +14, +4.1 and +2.6 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Oman ($7.1M) constitutes the largest market for imported camel meat worldwide, comprising 60% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Morocco ($1.6M), with a 14% share of global imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Oman amounted to +53.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Morocco (+3.5% per year) and the United States (+3.8% per year).

Import Prices By Country

The average camel meat import price stood at $4,483 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 6.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a deep slump. Global import price peaked at $7,586 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($7,211 per ton), while Oman ($3,959 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+4.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Camel Meat

In 2022, overseas shipments of camel meat were finally on the rise to reach 2.9K tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports enjoyed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at 3.5K tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, camel meat exports amounted to $13M in 2022. Over the period under review, exports posted resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 46% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $15M. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the global exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the major exporting country with an export of about 1.6K tons, which finished at 53% of total exports. Australia (716 tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 24% share, followed by Pakistan (21%).

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to camel meat exports from the United Arab Emirates stood at +52.9%. At the same time, Pakistan (+178.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Pakistan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +178.2% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Australia (-4.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United Arab Emirates (+52 p.p.) and Pakistan (+21 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Australia saw its share reduced by -60.4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($5.7M), Australia ($3.8M) and Pakistan ($3M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 98% share of global exports.

Pakistan, with a CAGR of +209.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices By Country

The average camel meat export price stood at $4,330 per ton in 2022, rising by 1.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $4,616 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($5,289 per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($3,652 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan (+11.4%), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform