Latvia: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Latvia

The Latvian market for horse, mule and donkey meat rose significantly to $X in 2022, increasing by 5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. Horse, mule and donkey meat consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Latvia

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production shrank to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 903%. Horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Latvia stood at X kg per head, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021 figures. In general, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield attained the peak level at X kg per head in 2014; however, from 2015 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 Latvia declined modestly to X head, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, the number of producing animals showed a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the number of producing animals increased by 9.3%. The number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at X head in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from Latvia

In 2020, overseas shipments of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by 0% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 80% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2020 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports amounted to $X in 2020. Overall, exports recorded a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 73% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2020, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

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

From 2013 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume to Belgium was relatively modest.

From 2013 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value to Belgium was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2020, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the export price saw a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 92%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2020, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2013 to 2020, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Lithuania amounted to +39.9% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into Latvia

In 2022, the amount of horse, mule and donkey meat imported into Latvia surged to X tons, increasing by 29% on the year before. In general, imports, however, recorded a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 338%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 365% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Hungary (X tons) and Lithuania (X tons) were the main suppliers of horse, mule and donkey meat imports to Latvia.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Lithuania (with a CAGR of +19.2%).

In value terms, Hungary ($X) and Lithuania ($X) constituted the largest horse, mule and donkey meat suppliers to Latvia.

Lithuania, with a CAGR of +20.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among 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, increasing by 9.4% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.7%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 16% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hungary (+3.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform