China’s Growing Demand for African Donkey Hides Raises Environmental and Trade 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 rise 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 ingredients for China’s traditional‑medicine market.

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

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

In addition to animal‑welfare concerns, the spike in donkey‑hide imports brings up wider economic issues. Although certain African exporters enjoy increased income, critics contend that short‑term profits could be counterbalanced by long‑term declines in agricultural output and rural jobs. In China, dependence on imported skins has ignited discussion about the sustainability of traditional‑medicine practices that rely on animal ingredients.

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