China purchases 200,000 donkeys from Pakistan for…, to open slaughterhouses near…

Pakistan has a significant donkey population.

New Delhi: China is the largest importer of donkeys from Pakistan. According to an agreement signed in 2024, Pakistan agreed to send 200,000 donkeys to China. Dr. Ikram of Pakistan’s National Food Security and Research Ministry confirmed this. Media reports claimed that China wants to increase donkey imports and is also preparing to open a slaughterhouse near Karachi Port.

New slaughterhouses are being built in Gwadar, Pakistan, to increase donkey exports. Statistics show that Pakistan currently has 5.2 million donkeys. Pakistan has the third largest donkey population in the world. Now, the question is: why does China import so many donkeys from Pakistan? Where and how are the donkeys used? Find out the answers.

Why does China import donkeys from Pakistan?

China primarily uses gelatin extracted from donkey skin to make a medicine called Ejiao. To meet the growing demand for this medicine in China and many other countries, donkeys are imported from Pakistan. This medicine is also known as Colla Corii Asini and Donkey-Hide Glue. The gelatin extracted from donkey skin is prepared by mixing various herbs and other ingredients.

It is claimed that this medicine improves blood circulation, helps stop bleeding, improves sleep, and improves skin quality. It is also used to treat numerous other ailments. The growing demand for this medicine and the declining birth rate of donkeys in China have fueled the import.

How much does China need donkeys?

According to a Times of India report, the e-jiao industry requires the skin of 6 million donkeys annually. The use of donkeys in China is not limited to medicine. Donkey meat dishes are very popular in China’s Hebei province. Furthermore, donkey meat burgers, known as “lǘròu huǒshāo” in Chinese, are popular as street food in the cities of Baoding and Hejian.

China’s donkey population is declining, forcing it to turn to countries like Pakistan. Pakistan has a significant donkey population, making it a key partner for China. China is “helping” Pakistan overcome its crisis by providing it with large loans. According to 2022 data, Pakistan has a Chinese debt of $26.6 billion (24.6 billion euros), more than any other country in the world, and Pakistan is exporting donkeys to maintain a flow of funds.