Horse, donkey and mule meat market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American market for horse, donkey and mule meat saw its volume grow from 38 258 tons in 2018 to 47 206 tons in 2020, while production remained stable at around 68 000 tons annually. This period laid the foundation for subsequent shifts driven by external trade dynamics.

A significant peak occurred in 2021, with market volume reaching 52 893 tons. This surge was primarily driven by robust international demand, particularly from European importers like Italy, Belgium, and France, which stimulated production and exports from the region. Argentina solidified its role as a leading global exporter, channeling product abroad. In 2022, the market volume experienced a slight contraction to 52 151 tons, as broader global factors, including lingering COVID-19 pandemic effects on logistics and supply chains, introduced headwinds.

By 2023, the market volume fell markedly to 39 800 tons. The sector's underlying structure in Argentina, characterized by concentrated processing in a few plants, a marginal production system with little formalization, and an almost complete absence of domestic consumption culture, constrained market resilience. This export-dependent model left the market vulnerable to fluctuations in international demand.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in South America

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

After two years of growth, horse, donkey, and mule meat production in South America declined. In 2020, production reached 67 583 tons, marking a slight 1.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 68 341 tons, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's horse, donkey, and mule meat production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 215.1 million US dollars, representing a significant 11.0% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 2.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 250.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase at 13.2%.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from South America

Exports in kind, t

Horse, donkey, and mule meat exports from South America declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, South America exported 20 466 tons, a 10.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 29.1%, with an average annual decline of 10.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 851 tons. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 23.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Russia, Belgium, and Vietnam—collectively accounted for 68.2% of South America's total horse, donkey, and mule meat exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Horse, donkey, and mule meat export value in South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 65.1 million US dollars, a substantial 19.7% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export value dropped by 34.2%, with an average annual decline of 13.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 109.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (33.6% of export value), Russia (19.8%), and France (11.1%) were the top markets, together comprising 64.6% of South America's total horse, donkey, and mule meat export value.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to South America

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 5 tons, then surged to 89 tons in 2020—a dramatic 1,779.7% increase from the previous year. This represents a 19-fold difference between the two years. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 87.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States accounted for the largest share of horse, donkey, and mule meat imports to South America by volume, representing 1.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, then rose to 0.3 million US dollars in 2020—a 1,121.3% increase from the previous year. This represents a 12.2-fold difference between these two years. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 75.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States consistently held the largest share of horse, donkey, and mule meat import value to South America, accounting for 12.9% of total flows.

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

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