South Africa: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in South Africa

The South African market for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X in 2022, surging by 4.3% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in South Africa

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a abrupt descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 22%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in South Africa totaled X kg per head in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year's figure. In general, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the yield increased by 2.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield reached the maximum level at X kg per head in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in South Africa; leveling off at 2021. In general, the number of producing animals continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the number of producing animals increased by 2.8% 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 South Africa

Horse, mule and donkey meat exports from South Africa contracted sharply to X kg in 2022, reducing by -83.8% on the previous year. Overall, exports, however, posted a measured expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 500% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports dropped notably to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, showed a mild increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 304% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Swaziland (X kg) was the main destination for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from South Africa, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Swaziland stood at +49.4%.

In value terms, Swaziland ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Swaziland amounted to +41.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 30% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 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 Swaziland.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Lesotho amounted to +1.6% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, supplies from abroad of horse, mule and donkey meat increased by 332% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, faced a abrupt contraction. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Botswana (X tons) was the main supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to South Africa, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Botswana was relatively modest.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Botswana was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -45.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 64%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2021 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Canada amounted to +3.4% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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