Lithuania: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Lithuania

For the third consecutive year, the Lithuanian market for horse, mule and donkey meat recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 6.2% to $X in 2022. In general, consumption continues to indicate strong growth. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Lithuania

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production shrank modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 54% against the previous year. Horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Lithuania declined modestly to X kg per head in 2022, almost unchanged from 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 3.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield attained the peak level at X kg per head in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Lithuania declined modestly to X head, falling by -3.4% against 2021. In general, the number of producing animals saw a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the number of producing animals increased by 52% 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 failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from Lithuania

Horse, mule and donkey meat exports from Lithuania declined sharply to X tons in 2022, which is down by -16.8% on 2021 figures. Over the period under review, exports showed a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 45%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports fell to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 45%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Italy amounted to -19.3%.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Italy totaled -16.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, rising by 5.4% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% 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 export price increased by +67.5% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 20%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Italy amounted to +3.5% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into Lithuania

In 2020, purchases abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by 0% to X kg for the first time since 2017, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports saw a dramatic setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 69%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports totaled $X in 2020. Over the period under review, imports showed a dramatic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 77%. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2020, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2020, the Netherlands (X kg) was the main horse, mule and donkey meat supplier to Lithuania, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the Netherlands was relatively modest.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to Lithuania.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value from the Netherlands was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

In 2020, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 233%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2020, import prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the Netherlands.

From 2012 to 2020, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Latvia amounted to +57.6% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform