Equine meat — covering horses, asses, mules, and hinnies across all temperature states — occupies a narrow but distinct trade niche, with demand concentrated in certain European and Asian markets rather than the US domestic consumer base. Importation into the US requires USDA FSIS inspection from an approved foreign establishment, and the practical absence of FSIS-approved domestic equine slaughter facilities has shaped the trade flow dynamics for this commodity. Importers should note that equine identification and traceability documentation, including drug-use history records, are increasingly required by foreign regulatory authorities and may affect the eligibility of animals for slaughter.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.