Key facts
- Pakistan is working to increase exports of donkey meat, hides, and related products to China.
- The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 identified this as a niche market with growth potential.
- Demand in China is driven by the perceived nutritional and medicinal properties of donkey products.
- Sanitary protocols have been signed with China to facilitate these exports.
- A new license was granted for a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone.
- The donkey population in Pakistan has grown from 5.9 million to 6.2 million.
Pakistan is actively pursuing an increase in the export of donkey meat and related products to China, viewing it as a significant new trade avenue. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 highlighted this potential, noting that demand in China is fueled by the perceived nutritional and medicinal benefits of donkey meat, milk, and Eijiao (gelatin).