Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Russia's horse, donkey and mule meat market fell sharply from 12 468 metric tons in 2018 to 2 607 metric tons in 2024. This decline was led by a steep drop in imports, which plummeted from 11 515 metric tons to 1 792 metric tons over the same period. Western sanctions and import restrictions on traditional meats, noted from 2021, likely affected import flows, while the COVID-19 pandemic and lower real incomes in 2020 shifted consumer demand toward more affordable protein sources.

Domestic production, however, rose after 2021, exceeding 1 000 metric tons annually from 2022 onward. This increase was driven by the implementation of new veterinary slaughter rules in April 2022, which standardized quality control, and by investments in freezing and packaging lines at large meat processing plants, enhancing production capacity.

Regulatory changes such as mandatory meat labeling under the 'Honest Sign' system, launched in March 2023 and extended in August 2024, increased supply chain transparency. Concurrently, retail networks expanded their horse meat offerings, introducing new brands and ready-to-eat products to cater to health-conscious consumers, reflecting a shift toward premium and convenience segments.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2018-2021

In 2021, Russia produced 798 tonnes of horse, donkey, and mule meat, marking an 8.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 12.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with an 8.6% reduction, while the largest increase was seen in 2020, at 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 162 tonnes, a substantial 220.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 155 596.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1 059.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine and Kazakhstan were the primary destinations for Russia's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 53.2% of total flows, while Kazakhstan made up 46.8%, together representing 100.0% of exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value stood at 553 thousand US dollars, up 156.1% from the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 120 747.6%, equating to an average annual rate of 965.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, the export structure in value terms was heavily concentrated on Ukraine and Kazakhstan, which together accounted for 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 1 086 tonnes, down 30.3% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 50.9%, with an average annual decline of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil were the key partners for Russia's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume terms. Argentina contributed 49.2% of imports, Uruguay 16.9%, and Brazil 10.6%, together making up 76.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import value was 15 086 thousand US dollars, a sharp 30.4% drop compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 49%, translating to an average annual rate of decline of 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018-2021, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil led the import structure in value terms. Argentina accounted for 47.5% of imports, Uruguay for 17.7%, and Brazil for 11.9%, together representing 77.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021