The import of live animals to Saudi Arabia has seen substantial fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2015, imports increased significantly, peaking in 2015. However, from 2016 onwards, there was a marked decline, with the value in 2018 nearly halving from its 2015 peak. Since then, the trend has been relatively stable with minor fluctuations.
In 2023, the value of live animal imports stood at 705.6 million USD. The year-on-year change for 2023 was a slight decline of 0.28%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the last five years up to 2023 was 1.32%, indicating a period of relative stability following earlier declines.
Looking forward, the forecast suggests a marginal decrease in import values through 2028, with a forecasted CAGR of -0.24% and an overall five-year growth rate of -1.17%. This suggests that while there may be slight decreases, the market is expected to remain relatively stable.
Future trends to watch for include changes in Saudi Arabia's agricultural policies, shifts in domestic production capabilities, and potential trade agreements that could affect import volumes. Additionally, changes in global animal health regulations and the potential impact of climate change on livestock production might influence future import patterns.
