MENA: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in MENA

The MENA's market for horse, mule and donkey meat reached $X in 2022, remaining stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a mild setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the market value increased by 4.9% against the previous year. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in MENA

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a slight setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 9.5% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of horse, mule and donkey meat production was Morocco (X tons), accounting for 45% of total volume. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat production in Morocco exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Turkey (X tons), threefold. Iran (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with an 18% share.

In Morocco, horse, mule and donkey meat production increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Turkey (-5.3% per year) and Iran (+0.9% per year).

The average horse, mule and donkey meat yield stood at X kg per head in 2022, approximately reflecting 2021 figures. Overall, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the horse, mule and donkey meat yield attained the maximum level at X kg per head in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production stood at X heads in 2022, approximately reflecting 2021. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the number of producing animals increased by 4.6%. Over the period under review, this number attained the peak level at X heads in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports in MENA

In 2022, shipments abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -7.2% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a mild increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 166% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports fell to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw a mild decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 317%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Iran (X tons) represented roughly 100% of total exports in 2022.

Iran was also the fastest-growing in terms of the horse, mule and donkey meat exports, with a CAGR of +1.5% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of Iran (+3.4 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Iran ($X) also remains the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier in MENA.

In Iran, horse, mule and donkey meat exports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in MENA amounted to $X per ton, stabilizing at the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the export price increased by 57% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Iran amounted to -2.3% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in MENA

In 2022, horse, mule and donkey meat imports in MENA fell to X tons, declining by -6.8% on 2021. In general, imports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 536% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports declined to $X in 2022. Overall, imports faced a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 466% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Kuwait represented the main importer of horse, mule and donkey meat in MENA, with the volume of imports finishing at X tons, which was near 62% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Bahrain (X tons), constituting a 38% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Kuwait (with a CAGR of +29.3%).

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in MENA, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 29% share of total imports.

In Bahrain, horse, mule and donkey meat imports expanded at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MENA amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Import price indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% 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 import price decreased by -28.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 28% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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 Bahrain ($X per ton), while Kuwait stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bahrain (+2.9%).

Source: IndexBox Platform