Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The horse, donkey and mule meat market in Western Asia shrank consistently between 2018 and 2023, with total volume falling from 1 119 t to 913 t, a reduction of over 18%. This decline was mirrored by domestic production, which dropped from 1 140 t to 927 t over the same period.

Each year recorded a decrease in production, ranging from 2.6% to 5.7%, leading to a corresponding contraction in market size. International trade played a negligible role, as imports and exports remained minimal, underscoring that the market's trajectory was primarily shaped by domestic output trends.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Western Asia

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

In Western Asia, the production of horse, donkey, and mule meat has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 056 tonnes, marking a modest decline of 3.5% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 16.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Western Asia

Exports in kind, kg

Cross-border shipments of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Western Asia decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 67 kilograms, representing a sharp reduction of 99.3% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, exports fell by 99.7%, averaging an annual decline of 85.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the primary export partner in terms of volume, accounting for 87.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Foreign supplies of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Western Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 328 US dollars, which is 98.1% lower than in 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, exports decreased by 99.4%, with an average annual rate of decline of 81.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Russia held the largest share in export value, capturing 79.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Western Asia

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 65 kilograms, after peaking in 2017, with a 183-fold difference between these years. In 2020, volumes showed an abrupt decline of 98.5% year-on-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 113.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan and Sudan were the main destinations for imports by volume, together accounting for 95.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their maximum in 2017 and fell to the lowest point in 2020, a swing of 918 times. In 2020, deliveries amounted to 52 US dollars, reflecting a decline of 99.7% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 109.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, Pakistan, with 64.2% of total flows, and Sudan, with 12.3%, were the two main destinations for imports in value terms, jointly taking 76.5% of total flows.

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

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