Pakistan’s donkey population has surged dramatically over the last three years, driven by escalating demand from China for donkey skin—a key ingredient in traditional medicine and cosmetics.
According to local reports, this increase in demand has led to a significant rise in prices, with donkeys now fetching an astonishing Rs300,000 in some cases, a figure unheard of in the country’s history.
This spike in prices has left many local buyers and sellers in a difficult position, particularly in Karachi, where donkey cart drivers, who rely on these animals for their daily livelihoods, have found themselves grappling with soaring costs.
The weekly donkey market in Karachi’s Lyari area, once bustling with activity, now sees fewer buyers, as the steep prices deter those looking to purchase these animals for transportation and work purposes.
Sellers in the market explain that the primary reason behind this unprecedented price hike is China’s growing appetite for donkey skin, which is used in the production of various cosmetics and traditional Chinese medicines such as “Ejiao.”
Ejiao, a gelatin made from boiled donkey skins, is a revered remedy in China, believed to have various health benefits, including improved blood circulation and skin elasticity. The increasing popularity of this remedy has created a massive demand for donkey skins, leading to the annual slaughter of millions of donkeys in China.
For Pakistan’s donkey cart drivers, the rising prices have created a significant burden. Where they once purchased donkeys for Rs8,000 to Rs12,000, they now face prices ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs35,000, making it harder for them to sustain their livelihoods. Many lament that their work has become far more challenging, as they struggle to afford the animals necessary to continue their trade.
The 2024 Economic Survey of Pakistan highlights this notable increase in the country’s donkey population, now standing at an impressive 660,000—a rise of 100,000 in just one year.
This growth is directly linked to the rising demand for donkey-derived products in China, where the use of donkey skins for traditional remedies has become more prevalent.
In response to the growing market opportunity, the Senate Standing Committee on Trade in Pakistan has been informed that an export protocol for donkey skin and meat to China has been finalized.
This development paves the way for Pakistan to further capitalize on the increasing demand from its powerful trading partner. However, while this presents an economic opportunity for Pakistan, it also raises concerns for local donkey cart drivers and sellers who are left struggling with the rising prices.
As Pakistan moves forward with potential exports, the long-term impact on local industries that rely on donkeys for transportation and labor remains uncertain.
The surge in prices may continue to hinder access to these animals for many who depend on them for their livelihoods.
Nevertheless, for those involved in the export of donkey skins, this market presents a profitable, albeit controversial, opportunity that reflects the growing interconnectedness between local economies and global demand.
