Tanzania’s hides and skins trade recorded a slower first quarter in 2026, with production value falling 23.5% from December as lower cattle hide output reversed the strong growth seen at the end of last year. The sector’s production value stood at 2.77 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$1.05 million) in March 2026, down from 3.61 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$1.37 million) in December, according to the Bank of Tanzania Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report by Daily News.
According to the Bank of Tanzania, the industry’s production value remained below the December peak but was closer to the 3.05 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$1.15 million) recorded in March last year.
Hides and Skins Production Performance
| Category | December | March | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Production Value | 3.61 billion (~$1.37 million) | 2.77 billion (~$1.05 million) | -23.5% |
The decline was mainly driven by lower cattle hide production, which accounts for most of the industry’s earnings.
Cattle Hides
| Indicator | December | March |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 647,348 pieces | 389,155 pieces |
| Production Value | 3.36 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$1.27 million) | 2.52 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$953,670) |
Cattle hide production dropped by nearly 40% during the quarter, reducing its production value to 2.52 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$953,670) from 3.36 billion Tanzanian Shillings (~$1.27 million). Despite the decline, cattle hides continued to contribute more than 90% of the sector’s total production value.
The central bank said the industry’s heavy reliance on cattle slaughter volumes makes overall performance vulnerable to seasonal livestock supply and market conditions.
Goat Skins
| Indicator | December | March |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 189,865 pieces | 185,851 pieces |
| Production Value | 203.6 million (~$77,053) | 202.9 million (~$76,788) |
Goat skins proved more resilient during the quarter. Production eased slightly to 185,851 pieces from 189,865 pieces, while production value slipped marginally to 202.9 million Tanzanian Shillings (~$76,788) from 203.6 million Tanzanian Shillings (~$77,053).
Sheep Skins
| Indicator | December | March |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Not stated | 63,130 pieces |
| Production Value | 48.9 million (~$18,505) | 45.7 million (~$17,295) |
Sheep skin production increased to 63,130 pieces, although its production value edged down to 45.7 million Tanzanian Shillings (~$17,295) from 48.9 million Tanzanian Shillings (~$18,505) in the previous quarter.
Regional Production Share in March 2026
| Region | Share of National Output |
|---|---|
| Lake Zone | 30.7% |
| Dar es Salaam | 25.8% |
| South Eastern Zone | 24.1% |
| Central Zone | 14.3% |
| Northern Zone | 5.1% |
The Lake Zone remained Tanzania’s largest source of hides and skins, accounting for 30.7% of national output in March.
Dar es Salaam followed with a 25.8% share, while the South Eastern Zone contributed 24.1%. The Central Zone accounted for 14.3% of national output, followed by the Northern Zone with 5.1%.
Compared with a year earlier, production became more geographically diversified. The South Eastern and Northern zones expanded their shares, while the Lake Zone, Dar es Salaam and the Central Zone recorded declines, suggesting changes in livestock marketing and processing activity across the country.
The Bank of Tanzania said the March figures indicate that the hides and skins industry remains fundamentally strong but continues to be heavily dependent on cattle availability. Unless growth in goat and sheep skins accelerates, the sector’s performance is likely to remain closely linked to the fortunes of the cattle industry.
