Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for horse, donkey and mule meat in Eastern Asia grew steadily from 2018 to 2020, with volume increasing from 349 thousand tonnes to 465 thousand tonnes. This expansion was supported by rising domestic production, which peaked at 460 thousand tonnes in 2020. In 2019, risks to export markets from U.S.-China trade frictions contributed to a reduction in shipments abroad, increasing the volume available for domestic consumption.

A sharp downturn occurred in 2021, pulling the market down to 351 thousand tonnes. A partial recovery followed in 2022, lifting volume to 418 thousand tonnes. By 2023, the market contracted again to 322 thousand tonnes. This decline aligned with a global tightening of horse meat supply, as a key supplier, Canada, shifted production toward cattle, reducing import availability. Simultaneously, exports from the region rose markedly, further limiting local supply.

Throughout the period, import volumes of horse meat trended downward from 2018 levels, while prices increased significantly. Consumer interest in horse meat as a lean and health-conscious protein helped sustain domestic demand, even as supply constraints and changing trade patterns influenced market dynamics.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Eastern Asia's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 459.7 thousand tonnes, which represents a 16.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 42.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports from Eastern Asia reached 9 445 tonnes in 2020, marking a sharp decline of 39.6% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 17 983 tonnes, which was a substantial increase of 555.4% from the previous year. In contrast, the lowest point was in 2017, with export levels fluctuating 6.6 times between these two years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Kazakhstan were the top markets for Eastern Asia's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms. Russia accounted for 4.2% of total flows, while Kazakhstan made up 1.7%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Eastern Asia in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 34.7 million US dollars, a decrease of 42.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 22.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 8.1%. The peak value was in 2018 at 66.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 47.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia and Kazakhstan maintained leading roles in the value structure of exports from Eastern Asia, together representing 7.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat into Eastern Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region imported approximately 14 564 tonnes, down 27.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.8%, with an average annual decline of 8.6%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 20 549 tonnes, which saw an increase of 7.6% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure for horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Canada, Argentina, and Poland were key partners, accounting for 8.8%, 3.0%, and 2.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 14.0% of total flows, with many other countries making up the remaining 86.0%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat into Eastern Asia in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 70.6 million US dollars, a steep drop of 29.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 103.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 17.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Argentina, and Poland were the largest suppliers of horse, donkey, and mule meat to Eastern Asia in value terms, but they did not dominate the market. Canada accounted for 24.4% of imports, Argentina for 7.7%, and Poland for 6.5%. Together, they made up 38.5% of total imports, with a wide range of smaller partners contributing the rest.

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

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