Increasing donkey demand in China causes prices of donkeys to hike in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Amid rising demand for donkey hide from China, donkey prices have seen a dramatic increase in recent months in Pakistan, reaching as high as PKR 300,000.

The demand for donkeys has increased in China because animal hides are used in the production of cosmetics and medicines including traditional Chinese medicine known as e jia.

According to the local publication report, this sharp hike in prices has led to a notable decline in the local sale and purchase markets including Karachi’s Lehari donkey market.

Sellers in the market said that the growing demand from China is the primary driving force behind the price hike which made local customers difficult to afford donkeys. Donkeys have become a lucrative commodity for traders, who are exporting hides to meet Chinese requirements.

In June 2023, the federal cabinet approved the export of donkey hides to China, alongside other goods such as cattle, and dairy products.

However, in July 2024, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce recommended authorities to export whole, living donkeys to China and not just the hides. The committee was also briefed that the current donkey exports to China had no restrictions while protocols for exporting donkey meat are currently in development