Pakistani donkeys in high demand for Chinese cosmetic products

The price of donkeys in Pakistan has reached as high as three lac rupees due to high demand from China, where donkey hides are used in the production of cosmetics and medicines.

Express Tribune reports that this dramatic rise in prices has led to a scarcity of buyers in the local markets, especially in the Lehari donkey market in Karachi.

Donkey sellers in the market said that China’s growing demand for donkey hides is the actual reason behind the surge in prices.

Use of donkey hides

Donkey hides are used to make various cosmetic products, and an original Chinese medicine known as “e jia”.

Local customers are finding it hard to afford donkeys now.

The rising cost also reflects the global demand for natural resources in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which has also trickled down to influence local markets in Pakistan.

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

During a Senate Standing Committee on Commerce meeting in 2022, it was said that China is interested in importing donkeys and dogs from Pakistan.