Scandinavia: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Scandinavia

In 2022, the Scandinavia market for horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 0.8% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, showed a deep setback. The level of 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 Scandinavia

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production declined sharply to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 67%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were Sweden (X tons), Finland (X tons) and Norway (X tons).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the main producing countries, was attained by Finland (with a CAGR of -9.0%), while production for the other leaders experienced a decline in the production figures.

In 2022, the average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in Scandinavia fell rapidly to X kg per head, with a decrease of -54.4% against the previous year. In general, the yield saw a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 233% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X kg per head, and then plummeted in the following year.

In 2022, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Scandinavia; surging by 125% on 2021 figures. Overall, the number of producing animals, however, saw a deep setback. The level of producing animals peaked at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports in Scandinavia

In 2022, approx. X tons of horse, mule and donkey meat were exported in Scandinavia; reducing by -95.7% against 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a dramatic slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 299%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports reduced markedly to $X in 2022. In general, exports faced a dramatic decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 611%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Sweden (X tons), together amounting to 100% of total export.

Sweden was also the fastest-growing in terms of the horse, mule and donkey meat exports, with a CAGR of -23.7% from 2012 to 2022. Sweden (+37 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Sweden stood at -19.6%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Scandinavia amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -1.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a tangible increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 150% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, 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 Sweden.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Sweden amounted to +5.4% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports in Scandinavia

Horse, mule and donkey meat imports rose remarkably to X tons in 2022, growing by 9.3% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 26%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Finland was the largest importer of horse, mule and donkey meat in Scandinavia, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 87% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Sweden (X tons), constituting a 13% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to horse, mule and donkey meat imports into Finland stood at -6.4%. Sweden (-5.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The shares of the largest importers remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Finland ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported horse, mule and donkey meat in Scandinavia, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Sweden ($X), with a 17% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Finland totaled -5.1%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Scandinavia stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 5.2% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the import price increased by 22%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Sweden ($X per ton), while Finland amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Finland (+1.3%).

Source: IndexBox Platform