Horse, donkey and mule meat market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market for horse, donkey and mule meat in Mercosur saw considerable variation between 2018 and 2020. Volume rose from 29 738 t to 36 644 t in 2019, then retreated to 33 570 t in 2020. In value terms, the market followed a similar path, climbing to $130.4 million in 2019 before falling to $106.2 million the following year.

A recovery took place in 2021, with volume expanding to 39 176 t and value reaching $133.2 million. This growth coincided with Argentina's introduction of export quotas for beef, which likely prompted meat producers to diversify into other meat categories including horse and donkey meat. In 2022, volume dipped slightly to 37 177 t while value held steady at $132.2 million, as Mercosur countries harmonized regulations on meat additives and maintained international sales of these products.

The market contracted sharply in 2023, with volume plummeting to 27 207 t and value dropping to $99.3 million. This decline was driven chiefly by a substantial reduction in the Brazilian donkey population due to high slaughter rates over several years, which severely constrained the supply of asinine meat. At the same time, record beef exports from Mercosur may have diverted resources away from horse and donkey meat production.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in MERCOSUR

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

Horse, donkey, and mule meat production in MERCOSUR has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 52 807 tons, which represents an 8.2% decrease from the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 57 820 tons, with the largest annual increase of 8.4% also recorded that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Horse, donkey, and mule meat production in MERCOSUR has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 167.1 million US dollars, marking an 18.3% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.7%, averaging an annual decline of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 214.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 14.6% also occurring that year.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

Horse, donkey, and mule meat exports from MERCOSUR have declined for the second year running. In 2020, the region exported 19 325 tons, a 7.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 27.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 10.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 28 119 tons, with the largest increase of 6.1% recorded that year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 25.8% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Belgium, and France were the key export partners for horse, donkey, and mule meat from MERCOSUR in volume terms. Russia accounted for 30.9% of exports, Belgium for 28.8%, and France for 7.2%, collectively representing 67.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MERCOSUR's horse, donkey, and mule meat exports have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 61.1 million US dollars, down 17.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 34.2%, averaging an annual decline of 13.0%. The highest value was in 2018 at 104.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 12.1% that year. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a 28.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Russia, and France formed the core markets for horse, donkey, and mule meat exports from MERCOSUR in value terms. Belgium accounted for 35.9% of exports, Russia for 21.2%, and France for 11.9%, together representing 68.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 5 tons and peaked in 2020 at 88 tons, representing an 18-fold increase. In 2020, imports surged by 1 748.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 87.5% drop.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations over these years. Imports bottomed out in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 0.2 million US dollars, a 10-fold difference. In 2020, imports increased by 898.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 75.7% decrease.

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

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