China: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in China

In 2022, the Chinese market for horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 3.8% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a pronounced reduction. Horse, mule and donkey meat consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in China

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production dropped to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 362% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield in China expanded to X kg per head, picking up by 2.4% against the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the yield increased by 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield attained the maximum level at X kg per head in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum.

The number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in China expanded significantly to X heads in 2022, with an increase of 6.1% on the previous year's figure. In general, the number of producing animals, however, showed a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the number of producing animals increased by 6.6% against the previous year. The number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from China

In 2022, shipments abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 122% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 823% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports surged to $X in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 687%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

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

From 2013 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Japan amounted to +49.1%.

In value terms, Japan ($X) also remains the key foreign market for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from China.

From 2013 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Japan amounted to +47.8%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2013 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Japan amounted to -0.9% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into China

In 2022, supplies from abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -46.5% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after four years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 672%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports declined remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, recorded significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 1,042% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Mongolia (X tons) constituted the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier to China, accounting for a 73% share of total imports. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat imports from Mongolia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Brazil (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Mongolia amounted to +33.0%.

In value terms, Mongolia ($X) and Brazil ($X) appeared to be the largest horse, mule and donkey meat suppliers to China.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +214.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, declining by -2.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, horse, mule and donkey meat import price increased by +7.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average import price increased by 48%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the price for Mongolia stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+11.0%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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