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Report South Africa - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights for 499$
Report Update May 1, 2025

South Africa - Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat consumption in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, together comprising 53% of global consumption. Russia, Mexico, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, the United States, Brazil and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.
The countries with the highest volumes of horse, mule and donkey meat production in 2020 were China, Kazakhstan and Mexico, with a combined 52% share of global production. These countries were followed by Mongolia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Argentina and the United States, which together accounted for a further 29%.
In value terms, Brazil constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to South Africa, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Canada, with a 20% share of total imports.
In value terms, Mozambique, Lesotho and Austria $151) constituted the largest markets for horse, mule and donkey meat exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 89% share of total exports.
The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $2,007 per ton in 2020, waning by -4.1% against the previous year.
In 2020, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $1,511 per ton, remaining stable against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for horse, mule and donkey meat in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 1097 - Horse meat
  • FCL 1108 - Meat of asses
  • FCL 1111 - Meat of mules

Country coverage:

  • South Africa

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE
    2. MARKET STRUCTURE
    3. TRADE BALANCE
    4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
    5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
    4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION, PRODUCING ANIMALS AND YIELD

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  11. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
    3. Market Value, 2012–2024
    4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
    5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
    8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024

  12. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
    2. Market Value, 2012–2024
    3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
    4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
    5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
    6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
    7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
    8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
    9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
    10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
    11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
    12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
    13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
    14. Production Volume And Growth
    15. Yield And Growth
    16. Exports And Growth
    17. Export Prices And Growth
    18. Market Size And Growth
    19. Per Capita Consumption
    20. Imports And Growth
    21. Import Prices
    22. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
    23. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
    24. Producing Animals Slaughtered, 2012–2024
    25. Yield, 2012–2024
    26. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
    27. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
    28. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    29. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    30. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    31. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
    32. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
    33. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
    34. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    35. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    36. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    37. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024

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