Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market volume for horse, donkey and mule meat in Belarus fell from 644 tons to 200 tons, a decline of nearly 70%. This contraction occurred alongside a noted rise in consumer demand for poultry, which was promoted as a socially significant and more affordable protein source, potentially drawing demand away from specialty meats.

Regulatory developments in the meat sector, including new standards for sausage products introduced in April 2021 and legislative changes in October 2024 that granted regional authorities power to establish raw material zones for meat processors, altered production frameworks. These measures may have encouraged a focus on mainstream meat segments over niche products like horse and donkey meat.

The industry context saw leading Belarusian meat processors, such as Brest and Grodno meat processing plants, actively pursuing digitalization and deep raw material processing to improve efficiency. However, persistent challenges like skilled labor shortages and complex export logistics, highlighted in industry forums, likely affected the capacity to maintain production volumes for less common meat types.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2017-2020

Belarus has seen a decline in horse, donkey, and mule meat production for three consecutive years. In 2020, production stood at 300.0 tonnes, marking a significant 40.0% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 57.1%, with an average annual decline rate of 24.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Belarus

Market research indicates that Belarus did not export any horse, donkey, or mule meat from 2017 to 2020.

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Belarus

Imports in kind, kg

The import market for horse, donkey, and mule meat in Belarus showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 25 700 kg, with a decline of 41.7%. By 2020, imports surged to 99 600 kg, representing a 287.5% increase from the previous year. Overall, import levels varied by a factor of 3.9 between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of horse, donkey, and mule meat to Belarus were Argentina, Uruguay, and Bulgaria. Argentina accounted for 34.5% of imports in kind, Uruguay for 33.5%, and Bulgaria for 31.9%. Together, these three countries made up 100.0% of total imports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belarus in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms also exhibited volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, imports bottomed out at 78.1 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 45.7%. By 2020, imports peaked at 322.7 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 313.2% increase year-over-year. The difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020 was a factor of 4.1.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bulgaria remained the key sources for imports in value terms. Argentina contributed 34.4% of imports, Uruguay 34.0%, and Bulgaria 31.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 99.9% of total import flows in value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020