Sheep meat production remained stable. Global world trade was estimated at 16 million tonnes in 2022, up from the previous year due to Asia and Africa production, partly offset by contractions in Oceania and Europe.

Much of the expansion was reported in China, while Australia recorded the largest decline. Total world sheep meat exports fell by 6.5% due to a sharp contraction in exports from Australia, one of the world’s largest exporters, reflecting a limited availability of animals for slaughter and a supply disruption due to the pandemic factor.