Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the domestic market volume for horse, donkey and mule meat in Australia grew from 25.9 thousand t to 27.1 thousand t. This expansion was not due to increased production, which remained steady near 28 thousand t, but resulted from a sharp decline in export shipments, which fell from 2.1 thousand t to just 646 t, redirecting more meat to local consumption.

Beginning in 2021, the market entered a period of contraction, with volume falling to 22.1 thousand t by 2023. This downturn was driven by a sustained decrease in domestic production, which dropped to 22.2 thousand t, outweighing the continued reduction in exports to minimal levels.

Australia maintained a notable position in the global trade of edible offal, a category that includes horse meat, with significant export values recorded during this period, underscoring the country's role in international meat markets.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia ranked fifth globally in the production volume of horse, donkey, and mule meat.

Top producers of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2018-2021

Australia's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 25,514 tonnes, marking an 8.0% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 8.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 3.0%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 27,994 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at just 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of horse, donkey, and mule meat in Australia was valued at 94.7 million US dollars, showing a 13.1% increase over the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, production value decreased by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 83.7 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 107.4 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Australia

Exports in kind, t

Australia's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 287 tonnes, down 55.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports plummeted by 86.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 48.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Russia were the leading destinations for Australia's exports in volume terms, together accounting for 88.9% of total flows, while the rest was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Shipments of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Australia declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 1,066 thousand US dollars, representing a 45.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports dropped by 85.8%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of decline of 47.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, Belgium and Russia dominated as the top destinations for Australia's exports in value terms, jointly capturing 81.4% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Australia

According to industry analysis, Australia did not import any horse, donkey, or mule meat from 2018 to 2021.