Benelux: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Benelux

The Benelux market for horse, mule and donkey meat expanded modestly to $X in 2022, picking up by 3% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a slight shrinkage. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Benelux

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a noticeable slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 20%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of horse, mule and donkey meat production was the Netherlands (X tons), accounting for 73% of total volume. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat production in the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Belgium (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in the Netherlands stood at +30.8%.

The average horse, mule and donkey meat yield surged to X kg per head in 2022, with an increase of 74% compared with the year before. Overall, the yield showed a remarkable increase. As a result, the yield attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In 2022, number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Benelux fell slightly to X heads, stabilizing at the year before. In general, the number of producing animals showed a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the number of producing animals increased by 4.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number reached the maximum level at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports in Benelux

Horse, mule and donkey meat exports dropped significantly to X tons in 2022, reducing by -18.8% against the previous year. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure 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 shrank remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a noticeable slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Belgium represented the major exporting country with an export of about X tons, which reached 62% of total exports. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), achieving a 38% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of -0.4%).

In value terms, Belgium ($X) remains the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier in Benelux, comprising 72% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 28% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Belgium amounted to -4.8%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2022, declining by -9.3% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 13%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+3.3%).

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in Benelux

Horse, mule and donkey meat imports declined rapidly to X tons in 2022, dropping by -27.1% on 2021. In general, imports recorded a drastic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 19%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports fell rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 25% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Belgium represented the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which recorded 81% of total imports. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), constituting an 18% share of total imports.

Belgium was also the fastest-growing in terms of the horse, mule and donkey meat imports, with a CAGR of -6.4% from 2012 to 2022. The Netherlands (-9.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Belgium (+5.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of the Netherlands (-5.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in Benelux, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 15% share of total imports.

In Belgium, horse, mule and donkey meat imports contracted by an average annual rate of -5.4% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 9.9%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2022, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+1.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform