Report Australia - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights for 499$
Report Update Feb 1, 2026

Australia - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Australia: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Australia

The Australian market for horse, mule and donkey meat declined modestly to $X in 2022, falling by -1.7% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, showed a noticeable shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 6.2% against the previous year. Horse, mule and donkey meat consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Australia

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a noticeable curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 20%. Horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Australia amounted to X kg per head in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the year before. In general, the yield, however, saw a pronounced decline. The horse, mule and donkey meat yield peaked at X kg per head in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Australia rose slightly to X heads, surging by 4.5% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, the number of producing animals, however, continues to indicate a slight setback. The number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at X heads in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from Australia

In 2022, overseas shipments of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -21.4% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports faced a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 18%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports declined dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons) was the main destination for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from Australia, accounting for a 58% share of total exports. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat exports to Japan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Belgium (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Japan totaled +100.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (-6.2% per year) and Switzerland (-14.0% per year).

In value terms, Japan ($X), Switzerland ($X) and Belgium ($X) constituted the largest markets for horse, mule and donkey meat exported from Australia worldwide, together accounting for 99% of total exports.

Japan, with a CAGR of +110.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 3.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+5.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat consumption in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, together comprising 53% of global consumption. These countries were followed by Russia, Mexico, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, the United States, Brazil and Canada, which together accounted for a further 28%.
The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat production in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mexico, together accounting for 52% of global production. Mongolia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Argentina and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.
In value terms, Italy constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to Australia.
In value terms, the largest markets for horse, mule and donkey meat exported from Australia were Belgium, Russia and Switzerland, together comprising 98% of total exports.
The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $3,026 per ton in 2020, waning by -21.3% against the previous year.
In 2019, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $3,291 per ton, flattening at the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in Australia. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 1097 - Horse meat
  • FCL 1108 - Meat of asses
  • FCL 1111 - Meat of mules

Country coverage:

    Data coverage:

    • Market volume and value
    • Per Capita consumption
    • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
    • Trade (exports and imports) in Australia
    • Export and import prices
    • Market trends, drivers and restraints
    • Key market players and their profiles

    Reasons to buy this report:

    • Take advantage of the latest data
    • Find deeper insights into current market developments
    • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

    This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

    In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

    1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
    2. How to load your idle production capacity
    3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
    4. How to increase your profit margins
    5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
    6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
    7. How to outsource production to other countries
    8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

    While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

    1. 1. INTRODUCTION

      Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

      1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
      2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
      3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
      4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
    2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

      A Quick Overview of Market Performance

      1. KEY FINDINGS
      2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO
    3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

      Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

      1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      2. MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      3. TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035
    4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

      Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

      1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
      2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
      3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
      4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
      5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS
    5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

      Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

      1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
      2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
      3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
      4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
      5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

      Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

      1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
      2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
      3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
      4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
      5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
    7. 7. PRODUCTION

      The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

      1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    8. 8. IMPORTS

      The Largest Import Supplying Countries

      1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
      3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    9. 9. EXPORTS

      The Largest Destinations for Exports

      1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
      2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
      3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

      The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

    11. LIST OF TABLES

      1. Key Findings In 2024
      2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      4. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
      6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
      7. Import Prices, By Country, 2012-2024
      8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
      9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
      10. Exports Prices, By Country, 2012-2024
    12. LIST OF FIGURES

      1. Market Volume, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      5. Trade Balance, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      6. Trade Balance, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      7. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      8. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
      9. Market Value Forecast to 2035
      10. Market Size and Growth, by Product
      11. Average Per Capita Consumption, by Product
      12. Exports and Growth, by Product
      13. Export Prices and Growth, by Product
      14. Production Volume and Growth
      15. Yield and Growth
      16. Exports and Growth
      17. Export Prices and Growth
      18. Market Size and Growth
      19. Per Capita Consumption
      20. Imports and Growth
      21. Import Prices
      22. Production, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      23. Production, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      24. Producing Animals: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      25. Yield: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      26. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      27. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      28. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
      29. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
      30. Imports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
      31. Import Prices, by Country, 2012-2024
      32. Exports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      33. Exports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
      34. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
      35. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
      36. Exports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
      37. Export Prices, by Country, 2012-2024

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