Austria: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Austria

In 2022, the Austrian market for horse, mule and donkey meat was finally on the rise to reach $X after three years of decline. In general, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Horse, mule and donkey meat consumption peaked at $X in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Austria

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a perceptible setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Austria declined slightly to X kg per head in 2022, approximately mirroring the year before. Overall, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the yield increased by 7.6% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X kg per head. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, approx. X head of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Austria; remaining stable against 2021. Overall, the number of producing animals showed a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. The number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at X heads in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from Austria

After two years of decline, shipments abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 1,410,400% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a significant expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Belgium (X tons) was the main destination for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from Austria, with a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Belgium was relatively modest.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Belgium was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -6.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 35%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Belgium.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Slovenia amounted to +5.2% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into Austria

In 2022, overseas purchases of horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 101% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, imports saw mild growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 148%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed modest growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 249%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Italy (X tons) constituted the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier to Austria, with a 33% share of total imports. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat imports from Italy exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Belgium (X tons), with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Italy was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+43.4% per year) and Belgium (+1.1% per year).

In value terms, Italy ($X) constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to Austria, comprising 32% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Italy amounted to +5.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+6.4% per year) and France (+42.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 8.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from the Netherlands ($X per ton) and Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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