Europe: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Europe

The Europe market for horse, mule and donkey meat expanded sharply to $X in 2022, picking up by 9.9% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, saw a pronounced descent. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Europe

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production rose slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of horse, mule and donkey meat production was Russia (X tons), accounting for 41% of total volume. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat production in Russia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Romania (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Spain (X tons), with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in Russia was relatively modest. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Romania (-0.4% per year) and Spain (-4.3% per year).

In 2022, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield in Europe totaled X kg per head, therefore, remained relatively stable against the year before. In general, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 6.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the horse, mule and donkey meat yield attained the peak level in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In 2022, number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Europe totaled X heads, surging by 1.8% on 2021. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals, however, showed a perceptible decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 2.6%. Over the period under review, this number hit record highs 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 Europe

In 2022, approx. X tons of horse, mule and donkey meat were exported in Europe; dropping by -10.5% on the year before. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 7.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs 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 fell to $X in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a perceptible downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Belgium (X tons), Romania (X tons), Poland (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons), Spain (X tons) and Italy (X tons) represented roughly 90% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by France (X tons), generating a 5.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Romania (with a CAGR of +3.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplying countries in Europe were Belgium ($X), Poland ($X) and Romania ($X), together accounting for 58% of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Romania, with a CAGR of +7.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Europe stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -1.8% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 13% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, 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 France ($X per ton), while the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in Europe

In 2022, approx. X tons of horse, mule and donkey meat were imported in Europe; with a decrease of -1.9% on the previous year's figure. In general, imports recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 8.6% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports amounted to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Italy (X tons) represented the main importer of horse, mule and donkey meat, comprising 40% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), France (X tons), Russia (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons), together mixing up a 48% share of total imports. Switzerland (X tons) and Finland (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of -1.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, Italy ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in Europe, comprising 45% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Italy totaled +2.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Belgium (-5.4% per year) and France (-7.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Europe amounted to $X per ton, surging by 4.1% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 9.3%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per ton), while Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+3.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform