Uruguay: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2025

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Uruguay

After two years of growth, the Uruguayan market for horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by -32.6% to $X in 2022. In general, consumption, however, showed a buoyant increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then plummeted in the following year.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in Uruguay

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the production volume increased by 22%. Horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield in Uruguay contracted modestly to X kg per head, approximately equating the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 3.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average horse, mule and donkey meat yield reached the peak level at X kg per head in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In 2022, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in Uruguay; with a decrease of -18.9% compared with the previous year. Overall, the total number of producing animals indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production increased by +30.3% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the number of producing animals increased by 61% against the previous year. As a result, the amount of producing animals attained the peak level of X heads, and then declined dramatically in the following year.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from Uruguay

In 2022, horse, mule and donkey meat exports from Uruguay dropped to X tons, falling by -6.1% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 46%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports reached $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +62.3% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 61%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Belgium (X tons), France (X tons) and Russia (X tons) were the main destinations of horse, mule and donkey meat exports from Uruguay, with a combined 76% share of total exports. Japan, Germany, Kazakhstan and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Japan (with a CAGR of +91.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for horse, mule and donkey meat exported from Uruguay were Belgium ($X), France ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 79% share of total exports.

Japan, with a CAGR of +109.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, rising by 7.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average export price increased by 11% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+9.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into Uruguay

In 2020, the amount of horse, mule and donkey meat imported into Uruguay totaled X tons, remaining relatively unchanged against 2019 figures. Overall, imports saw a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 110%. Imports peaked in 2020 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports stood at $X in 2020. In general, imports posted prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 78%. Imports peaked in 2020 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from No country was relatively modest.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value from No country was relatively modest.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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