Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish horse meat market began the period with a volume of 4 134 t in 2018, supported by the introduction of Royal Decree 815/2018 which established carcass classification and price reporting rules, enhancing traceability and sector competitiveness. Updated EU hygiene regulations under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 also required operators to adapt their food safety systems. By 2020, the market volume had contracted to 2 323 t. A regulatory easing for trichina testing in horse meat (RD 1086/2020) facilitated production, but the persistent ban on freezing fresh meat at retail level constrained distribution channels.

Market volume rebounded to 3 656 t in 2021. However, in 2022, Spain solidified its position as the world's fifth-largest exporter of horse meat, with export revenue reaching €33.8 million, reflecting a strong outward orientation that coincided with a domestic market reduction to 3 083 t. The number of farms dedicated to horse meat production exceeded 17 000, indicating sector consolidation. By 2023, new rules on animal welfare (RD 159/2023) and electronic identification for traceability (RD 787/2023) came into force, affecting larger holdings and slaughterhouses, while the market volume stabilized at 3 015 t.

In 2024, production fell by approximately 7% to around 7 700 t, attributed to a decline in the number of farms. A significant regulatory change allowed the freezing of fresh meat in retail establishments, expanding sales possibilities for frozen horse meat. Concurrently, diplomatic tensions with Algeria and conflict in the Middle East impacted export demand in these key regions, influencing trade flows.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain held the 12th position globally in the production of horse, donkey, and mule meat.

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

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

Spain's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 9.6 K t, showing little change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 7 708 t, up 9.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8.7%, with an average annual increase of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 453 t, which also saw the largest decline of 9.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 9.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy dominated Spain's exports in volume, accounting for 74.5% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's value of horse, donkey, and mule meat exports rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 33 058 K $ US, a modest increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 21.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading market for Spain's exports in value terms, capturing 77.6% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the remainder.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Spain's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat increased. In 2020, imports stood at 429 t, reflecting a 42.3% year-on-year uptick. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.2%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 302 t, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 29.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (43.2% of imports in volume), Portugal (27.6%), and Italy (8.3%) were the key partners for Spain's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat, jointly representing 79.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Spain imported 1 075 K $ US of horse, donkey, and mule meat, which is 86.6% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 576 K $ US, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 36.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom (34.3% of imports in value), Italy (18.2%), and Poland (14.8%) led as suppliers of horse, donkey, and mule meat to Spain, jointly accounting for 67.4% of total import value.

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

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