The OECD-FAO suggests that developing countries will account for 899,000 tonnes cwe (carcase weight equivalent), or 86% of the total increase in world production, with small increases across numerous countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is a standout, with sheepmeat production tipped to reach 2.4 million tonnes cwe by 2019, an increase of 256,100 tonnes cwe.
According to the OECD-FAO, sheepmeat production in China will grow 90,800 tonnes cwe, to 4.2 million tonnes cwe by 2019 - accounting for 28% of world production.
Of the developed countries, Australia and NZ are two of only a handful of countries that are expected to increase production. Australian sheepmeat production is anticipated to increase by 124,500 tonnes cwe and NZ by 30,300 tonnes cwe by 2019, totalling 712,200 tonnes cwe and 486,600 tonnes cwe, respectively.
With world sheepmeat consumption expected to expand in line with production, most of Australia’s and NZ’s major export destinations are expected to increase significantly by 2019. NZ exports are expected to grow by 11% to 425,100 tonnes cwe, while Australian exports are projected to increase 26%, to reach 470,200 tonnes cwe by 2019.
