Eastern Asia: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2024

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Eastern Asia

In 2022, the East Asian market for horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 4% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, saw a pronounced decrease. 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 Eastern Asia

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production reduced modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production posted a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 358%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

China (X tons) remains the largest horse, mule and donkey meat producing country in Eastern Asia, comprising approx. 98% of total volume. It was followed by Japan (X tons), with a 1.8% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled -5.8%.

The average horse, mule and donkey meat yield expanded to X kg per head in 2022, with an increase of 2.2% compared with the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the yield increased by 23% 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 Eastern Asia; with an increase of 6.1% on the year before. Overall, the number of producing animals, however, recorded a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the number of producing animals increased by 6.6%. The level of producing animals 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 in Eastern Asia

In 2022, horse, mule and donkey meat exports in Eastern Asia skyrocketed to X tons, increasing by 83% on 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 268%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 588%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

China was the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which recorded 73% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Hong Kong SAR (X tons), comprising a 27% share of total exports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the horse, mule and donkey meat exports, with a CAGR of +49.1% from 2012 to 2022. Hong Kong SAR (-7.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+73 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Hong Kong SAR (-73.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Hong Kong SAR ($X), with a 5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China totaled +47.8%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Overall, the export price posted a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the export price increased by 87% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while Hong Kong SAR totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (-0.9%).

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, overseas purchases of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -18.9% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after four years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 147%. The volume of import 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 expanded to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 76%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Japan (X tons) and China (X tons) prevails in imports structure, together achieving 94% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Hong Kong SAR (X tons), committing a 5.2% share of total imports.

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 ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in Eastern Asia, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with an 18% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Japan stood at +4.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+46.1% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (+51.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, surging by 29% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 30%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: 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 mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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