Market Dynamics of U.S. Goat Meat (Chevon) in Reference to the Global Market
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajitbae.v1i1.6632Keywords:
Comparative Advantage, Global Trade, Import Dependence, Market Dynamics and Goat MeatAbstract
Goat meat is becoming a more important component of the world's food system, particularly in Asia and Africa, where goats are considered “poor people’s cows,” greatly contributing to rural livelihoods and dietary protein requirements. Goats are considered valuable worldwide for their adaptability to marginal habitats, low production costs, and multifunctional contributions to meat, milk, fiber, and income-generating systems. This study analyzed long-term trends in goat population, production, marketing, slaughter, and trade at global and U.S. levels using secondary data from FAOSTAT and the USDA. Analyzed results reveal that nearly 94% of goats worldwide are found in Asia and Africa. Between 2000 and 2023, the global goat population increased by 49.5%, rising from 754 million to over 1.13 billion head. During this period, the world’s chevon production almost doubled, with the largest increase coming from Asian and African countries. The U.S. is the world's leading importer of chevon, driven by a significant increase in demand, while Australia remains the largest exporter. However, the U.S. continues to experience a constant and growing trade deficit because domestic production remains stagnant and unable to meet national demand. The self-sufficiency ratio ranged from 27% to 48% within 2010-2023, meeting less than half of national demand in the U.S., indicating a persistent and widening reliance on imports. While federally inspected slaughter is heavily concentrated in New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois, national demand varies significantly from year to year (32.6% to 44.8%). Overall, the results emphasize the need for increased domestic production capacity and improved supply-chain strategies to reduce import dependence and improve market stability in the U.S.
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