Rising Chinese Demand for African Donkey Skins Raises Ecological and Commercial Issues

According to a newly released book by trade analyst Lauren Johnston, China’s craving for donkey skins—mainly to make the traditional gelatin called ejiao—has propelled the yearly import of millions of hides from African countries.

Having monitored the movement of donkeys and related products across the two continents for several years, Johnston records a steep increase in Chinese demand over the last fifteen years. This surge has transformed a previously modest, regional exchange into an extensive supply network spanning dozens of African nations, supplying factories that turn the hides into products for China’s traditional‑medicine sector.

The growth of this trade has produced concrete impacts locally. In a number of African villages, live donkey prices have surged sharply, leading herders to part with animals that previously served vital roles in transport, agriculture and rituals. Conservationists caution that this intensified demand may endanger already fragile donkey stocks, particularly in dry areas where the animals are essential to livelihoods.

Johnston also points to the intricate logistics that sustain the sector. Donkey hides frequently travel via informal pathways, occasionally evading customs inspections, prompting worries about smuggling and the ability of African and Chinese officials to enforce regulations. The book observes that opaque reporting hampers accurate assessment of the trade’s magnitude, making regulation more challenging.

In addition to animal‑welfare concerns, the boom in donkey‑hide imports poses wider economic issues. Although certain African exporters enjoy increased earnings, detractors contend that short‑term profits could be counterbalanced by long‑term declines in agricultural output and rural jobs. In China, dependence on foreign skins has ignited discussion about the sustainability of animal‑based traditional‑medicine practices.

Looking forward, Johnston recommends that policymakers on both sides consider alternatives like plant‑based gelatin substitutes and improve traceability systems to limit illicit trade. As the book underscores, the donkey‑hide market lies at the crossroads of cultural tradition, international commerce and environmental stewardship, rendering its future path a concern for many stakeholders.