Argentina horse meat exports rise 42% in value in first half

Argentina remains the world’s second-largest exporter of horse meat, behind Mongolia, and increased both export volume and revenue in the first half of 2026 despite a long-term decline in global trade of the product.

Between January and June, Argentina exported 7,070 tonnes of horse meat, up 10% from the same period in 2025. Export revenue rose more sharply, increasing 42% year over year to $29.6 million FOB, according to data from Argentina’s Agriculture Secretariat based on INDEC figures.

According to foreign trade data from Datamar, Argentina’s horse meat exports totaled 370 TEUs between January and May 2026. The chart below compares monthly shipments recorded in recent years:

Horse Meat Exports – Argentina | Jan-May | 2022-2026 | TEUs

Fonte: DataLiner (clique aqui para solicitar uma demonstração)

The result highlights a niche but established export business for Argentina. Although horse meat is not widely consumed domestically, the country has supplied international markets for decades, especially in Europe.

According to data cited in the official report, global horse meat trade has fallen steadily over the past two decades, dropping from 157,238 tonnes in 2006 to 93,689 tonnes in 2025, a decline of about 40%. The lowest point in the series came in 2022, when global trade totaled around 73,900 tonnes.

Argentina’s exports have followed the same downward trend over the long term, falling from 35,097 tonnes in 2006 to 11,542 tonnes in 2025. Even so, the country has remained one of the main suppliers in the international market.

In 2025, Mongolia led global horse meat exports with 34,021 tonnes. Argentina ranked second, followed by Belgium with 8,643 tonnes, Poland with 8,620 tonnes, Uruguay with 5,935 tonnes and Spain with 5,726 tonnes.

First-half exports gain volume and value

Argentina horse meat exports improved in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year. Shipments rose from 6,418 tonnes in January-June 2025 to 7,070 tonnes this year.

The increase was driven by stronger exports in January, up 34%; March, up 22%; April, up 12%; and May, up 19%. June was the only month in the period to post a decline, with shipments falling 2% year over year to 1,161 tonnes.

In value terms, exports reached $29.6 million FOB in the first half, compared with $20.9 million a year earlier. In June alone, foreign sales totaled $5.08 million, up 28% from June 2025.

The average export price in the first half of 2026 stood at $3,450 per tonne.

Belgium remains top destination

Belgium remained the main destination for Argentina horse meat exports. From January to June, the country accounted for 47% of export volume and 48% of FOB revenue, with purchases totaling $14.1 million.

The Netherlands ranked second, with 16% of export volume and $3.97 million in purchases. Japan followed with 4% of volume and $1.4 million in imports.

Together, Belgium, the Netherlands and Japan represented about 67% of Argentina’s horse meat export volume and 66% of export revenue in the first half.

Production for the export market is concentrated in three authorized plants: Frigorífico Lamar, Infriba SA and Land L S.A.

A residual export business

Ernesto “Tito” Lowenstein, a long-time executive in Argentina’s horse meatpacking industry, told La Nación that international demand has strengthened in recent years amid higher consumption of animal protein and more expensive beef.

He said the business depends on access to a mix of destination markets. Europe mainly buys hindquarter cuts, while countries such as Japan and Russia help absorb other products, improving the commercial use of the carcass.

Lowenstein described horse meat production as a “residual” activity, stressing that horses in Argentina are not raised specifically for slaughter. According to him, most animals come from rural areas after the end of their working life or use in other activities.

Argentina has exported horse meat since the 1940s. The sector had around 20 to 21 plants in the 1970s, but that number fell as agricultural work became more mechanized and the use of working horses declined.

Traceability is central to EU access

Access to the European market depends on strict traceability and food-safety requirements. Lowenstein said SENASA, Argentina’s animal health agency, has worked to meet EU standards and adapt control procedures to the bloc’s rules.

One key requirement is the ban on exporting to Europe meat from horses treated with phenylbutazone, an anti-inflammatory commonly used in sport horses.

To comply, SENASA introduced individual animal identification through microchips, electronic veterinary prescriptions and treatment records. The goal is to guarantee traceability for animals destined for slaughter and preserve access to export markets.

Lowenstein also said the industry has been incorporating programs since 2016 to improve traceability, food safety and animal welfare, along with investments in infrastructure, technology and training.

For trade and logistics operators, Argentina horse meat exports represent a small but specialized animal-protein flow, concentrated in high-standard markets and dependent on certification, cold-chain logistics and sanitary compliance. The first-half rebound shows that, even in a shrinking global market, Argentina continues to hold a relevant position among the world’s leading suppliers.

Source: adapted from La Nación

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