Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the volume of the Canadian horse meat market declined from 15,084 t to 14,274 t. This period included active trade with the United States, which imported over 1,138 t from Canada in 2018, influencing the balance between domestic supply and export flows.

From 2021 to 2023, market volume recovered, reaching 16,466 t. This growth occurred alongside a substantial reduction in exports, which fell from 4,410 t in 2020 to 2,162 t in 2023, increasing the meat available domestically. During these years, export prices for Canadian horse meat were projected to rise, reaching $8.39 per kg in 2023 and $8.71 per kg in 2024, a trend that likely affected trade dynamics and consumer costs.

In value terms, the market fluctuated, peaking at $132.9 million in 2022 before easing to $121.8 million in 2023, reflecting changes in both volume and price levels.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked as the world's 9th largest producer of horse, donkey, and mule meat.

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

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

Horse, donkey, and mule meat production in Canada fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, Canada produced 18 684 tonnes of this meat, marking a moderate year-over-year decline of 6.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 11.7%, with an average annual decrease of 4.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Canada's horse, donkey, and mule meat production declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 135.3 million US dollars, reflecting a 10.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 5%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 151.0 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Canada

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Canada exported 4 410 tonnes of horse, donkey, and mule meat, showing a sharp decline of 17.1% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 28.1%, with an average annual drop of 10.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, France, and the United States consistently led as the top destinations for Canada's horse, donkey, and mule meat exports by volume. Japan accounted for 43.7% of exports, France for 20.5%, and the United States for 19.5%, together making up 83.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Canada in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Canada exported 31 924 thousand US dollars worth of horse, donkey, and mule meat in 2020, representing a significant fall of 20.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 22.6%, with an average annual decrease of 8.2%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Japan, France, and Switzerland remained the main buyers of Canada's horse, donkey, and mule meat by value. Japan accounted for 54.6% of exports, France for 18.6%, and Switzerland for 15.2%, collectively representing 88.3% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Canada in value, 2017-2020

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Canada

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