Use of donkey hides for cosmetic creams causes prices of donkeys to soar in Pakistan

The price of donkeys in Pakistan has surged dramatically, reaching as high as PKR 300,000, due to increasing demand from China, where donkey hides are used in the production of cosmetics and medicines.

This sharp rise in prices has led to a notable decline in local buyers at markets like the popular Lehari donkey market in Karachi.

Sellers in the market reported that China’s growing need for donkey hides is the primary driving force behind the price hike.

Donkey hides are utilised in a variety of cosmetic products, and a traditional Chinese medicine known as "e jia" is also produced from these hides.

The surge in demand has made donkeys a lucrative commodity, particularly for those looking to export hides to meet Chinese requirements.

Due to the soaring prices, local customers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford donkeys, which has resulted in fewer buyers in markets that once saw high demand from local businesses.

The rising costs reflect the global demand for natural resources in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which has trickled down to influence domestic markets in Pakistan.

With no signs of this demand slowing down, prices are expected to remain high.

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

The federal cabinet gave its consent through a circulating summary to sign four protocols with China, aiming to formalise and regulate the export of these items.

The Ministry of Law and Justice had previously approved the protocols, allowing Pakistan to proceed with this trade agreement.

The export of donkey hides has become increasingly relevant due to China's growing demand. During a Senate Standing Committee on Commerce meeting in 2022, it was revealed that China had expressed interest in importing donkeys and dogs from Pakistan.