Pakistan’s Donkey Prices Spike as Chinese Demand for Hides Grows

Donkey prices in Pakistan have soared to an all-time high, with the cost per donkey reaching Rs. 300,000. The price increase is driven by a sharp rise in demand from China, where donkey hides are used to make beauty products and traditional medicines.

The rising prices have made it difficult for local buyers to purchase donkeys, shrinking the domestic market. Many traders are now focusing on the lucrative export market, particularly in China, which has contributed to the spike in prices.

In July 2024, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce in Pakistan recommended exporting live donkeys to China, in addition to donkey hides, as a way to capitalize on this growing demand. The export of donkey hides is currently unrestricted, and the committee is working on protocols for exporting donkey meat in the future.

This booming trade with China has had a significant impact on local communities in Pakistan. As prices rise, farmers and laborers who rely on donkeys for transportation and manual labor are struggling to afford these animals.