Asia-Pacific: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Asia-Pacific

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was growth in the Asia-Pacific market for horse, mule and donkey meat, when its value increased by 3.8% to $X. In general, consumption, however, saw a perceptible descent. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Asia-Pacific

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production shrank slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 331% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The country with the largest volume of horse, mule and donkey meat production was China (X tons), comprising approx. 90% of total volume. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Australia (X tons), more than tenfold.

In China, horse, mule and donkey meat production plunged by an average annual rate of -5.8% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Australia (-3.2% per year) and Japan (-1.3% per year).

In 2022, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield in Asia-Pacific expanded to X kg per head, with an increase of 2% on the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the horse, mule and donkey meat yield reached the peak level at X kg per head in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Asia-Pacific; surging by 5.9% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the number of producing animals, however, continues to indicate a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number attained the maximum level at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports in Asia-Pacific

In 2022, overseas shipments of horse, mule and donkey meat were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 15%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, showed a deep reduction. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) and Australia (X tons) were the main exporters of horse, mule and donkey meat in 2022, recording approx. 43% and 41% of total exports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Hong Kong SAR (X tons), achieving a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +49.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier in Asia-Pacific, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Australia ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China amounted to +47.8%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Australia (-19.6% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (-10.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 54% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate buoyant growth. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+0.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in Asia-Pacific

In 2022, supplies from abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -16.9% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after seven years of growth. In general, imports, however, recorded strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 92% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports expanded modestly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 52%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Japan (X tons) and China (X tons) dominates imports structure, together creating 85% of total imports. Vietnam (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 9% share, followed by Hong Kong SAR (4.7%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Hong Kong SAR (with a CAGR of +81.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in Asia-Pacific, comprising 76% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Vietnam, with a 5% share.

In Japan, horse, mule and donkey meat imports expanded at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+46.1% per year) and Vietnam (+34.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 26% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a noticeable decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the import price increased by 28%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+6.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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