STUDIES ON TRENDS IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE GLOBAL SHEEP MEAT MARKET 2010-2022

This article aims to explore the changes that occurred in the global sheep meat market between 2010 and 2022. The study examines aspects such as the evolution of the global sheep herd, global production, consumption and geographical distribution of trade. The foundation of this article relied on a series of statistical data obtained from the online statistical service of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAOSTAT) as well as from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). During this studied period, the global sheep meat market has been influenced by a multitude of factors such as fluctuations in demand and supply, demographic and economic changes, shifts in dietary consumption patterns, urbanization growth, developments in livestock technology and so forth. In this complex global context, sheep meat-producing and importing countries had to adapt to new conditions and challenges, contributing to shaping a dynamic commercial landscape. In those twelve years, global sheep meat production increased by 23%, with China being the main producer. China accounted for 24.9% of the total production between 2010 and 2022. Other high-production countries included Australia (7.1%) and New Zealand (5%). China also stood as the primary importer (25.7%), followed by France (8.8%) and the USA (8.7%). Concerning exports, Australia and New Zealand nearly equally occupied the top two positions, accounting for over 70% of global exports during those years.