We use cookies to improve your experience and for marketing. Read our cookie policy or manage cookies.

Accept essential cookies
Accept all cookies
Report Japan - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights for 499$
Report Update May 1, 2025

Japan - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

Single report
Sent by email within 24h (Mon-Fri)
What's the difference?
Subscription
Online access and download
from $350/month

Get instant access to more than 2 million reports, dashboards, and datasets on the IndexBox Platform.

View Pricing

Japan: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Japan

The Japanese market for horse, mule and donkey meat reached $X in 2022, with an increase of 13% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Japan

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 15%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Japan contracted to X kg per head in 2022, approximately reflecting the year before. Over the period under review, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the yield increased by 11%. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield hit record highs at X kg per head in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Japan declined modestly to X heads, waning by -4.7% compared with the previous year. In general, the number of producing animals showed a slight decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 11%. As a result, the amount of animals produced reached the peak level of X heads. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of this number failed to regain momentum.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into Japan

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat, when their volume increased by 27% to X tons. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Canada (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the main suppliers of horse, mule and donkey meat imports to Japan, together comprising 61% of total imports. Uruguay, Poland, Mexico and China lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Uruguay (with a CAGR of +88.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($X), Argentina ($X) and Uruguay ($X) appeared to be the largest horse, mule and donkey meat suppliers to Japan, with a combined 62% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Uruguay, with a CAGR of +108.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 3.2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 13% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+10.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat consumption in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, together comprising 53% of global consumption. Russia, Mexico, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, the United States, Brazil and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 28%.
The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat production in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mexico, together comprising 52% of global production. Mongolia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Argentina and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 29%.
In value terms, Canada constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to Japan, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Poland, with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with a 13% share.
In 2015, the average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $4,500 per ton, approximately mirroring the previous year.
In 2020, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $7,569 per ton, shrinking by -7.5% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in Japan. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 1097 - Horse meat
  • FCL 1108 - Meat of asses
  • FCL 1111 - Meat of mules

Country coverage:

  • Japan

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Trade (exports and imports) in Japan
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
    4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    7. Import Prices, By Country, 2012-2024
    8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    10. Exports Prices, By Country, 2012-2024

  12. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Trade Balance, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    6. Trade Balance, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    7. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    8. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    9. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    10. Market Size and Growth, by Product
    11. Average Per Capita Consumption, by Product
    12. Exports and Growth, by Product
    13. Export Prices and Growth, by Product
    14. Production Volume and Growth
    15. Yield and Growth
    16. Exports and Growth
    17. Export Prices and Growth
    18. Market Size and Growth
    19. Per Capita Consumption
    20. Imports and Growth
    21. Import Prices
    22. Production, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    23. Production, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    24. Producing Animals: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    25. Yield: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    26. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    27. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    28. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    29. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    30. Imports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    31. Import Prices, by Country, 2012-2024
    32. Exports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    33. Exports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    34. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    35. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    36. Exports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    37. Export Prices, by Country, 2012-2024

Recommended reports

Asia - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
$599
May 1, 2025
Eye 485

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in Asia.

U.S. - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
$599
May 1, 2025
Eye 541

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in the U.S..

China - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
$599
May 1, 2025
Eye 742

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in China.

EU - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
$599
May 1, 2025
Eye 339

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in the EU.

World - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
$599
May 1, 2025
Eye 1792

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global market for horse, mule and donkey meat.

Free Data: Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Japan
Table
Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Japan - Table
Dashboard
Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Japan - Dashboard
Report
Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Japan - Report