Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for horse, donkey, and mule meat in Europe contracted sharply from 93 611 tons in 2018 to 43 985 tons in 2020. This decline was driven by persistent traceability issues and reports of animal cruelty, which eroded consumer confidence. Domestic demand in major producing countries like Spain remained low due to cultural sensitivities and minimal product promotion.

After 2020, the market volume recovered to 61 440 tons by 2023. However, production continued to face downward pressure from low profitability and sustained weak home consumption. Animal welfare campaigns calling for a ban on horse slaughter gained momentum, adding to industry challenges.

In 2024, Spanish production fell another 7% to 7 740 tons, while the European market remained reliant on exports to traditional consumers in Italy and France. Discussions at the EU level focused on improving traceability and restricting imports from countries with questionable practices, but no major regulatory changes were implemented.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Europe

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

Europe's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 31.3 K t, marking a sharp 30.7% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 60.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 26.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of horse, donkey, and mule meat production in Europe has also fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 126.0 M $ US, a significant 49.6% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 79.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -41.1%.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Europe

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Europe have increased for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 51 090 t, a steep 36.7% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export volumes grew by 97.2%, averaging a 25.4% annual increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Japan, and Kazakhstan were the key partners for Europe's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms. Switzerland accounted for 3.7% of exports, Japan for 2.1%, and Kazakhstan for 0.6%, together making up 6.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of horse, donkey, and mule meat exports from Europe has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 205.7 M $ US, a slight 0.6% decrease year-over-year. The peak value was in 2018 at 239.1 M $ US, with the largest decline of 13.4% occurring in 2019 and the largest increase of 17.5% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Japan were the main buyers of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Europe in value terms, together accounting for 12.4% of total exports.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Europe

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat into Europe increased in 2020. Europe imported about 63 770 t, up 9.9% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports overall decreased by 17.5%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 58 038 t, which saw the largest drop of 21.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms were spread across many countries. Argentina contributed 19.4% of imports, Uruguay 5.9%, and Canada 2.9%, totaling 28.1% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of horse, donkey, and mule meat imports into Europe has fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 375.8 M $ US, showing a limited 5.4% reduction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 10.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 375.8 M $ US, with the largest decrease of 20.3% in 2019 and the largest increase of 18.4% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Argentina accounted for 18.9% of imports, Uruguay for 5.9%, and Canada for 4.9%, together making up just 29.8% of total flows. The remaining 70.2% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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