Pakistan is actively seeking to expand exports of donkey meat, hides and related products to China, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 as reported by news agency PTI. The country is positioning these products as having strong demand driven by their perceived nutritional and medicinal value, as reported by the survey. This strategic focus represents a significant opportunity for Pakistan's agricultural and livestock sectors to capitalize on growing international demand for these products, with the survey noting that export of donkey meat, hides, and related products offers a niche market with strong growth potential. The expansion is being driven by rising demand in China where donkey meat, milk, and Eijiao (gelatin) are valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties.
The export expansion is being driven by strong demand from China for donkey-related products, as highlighted in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey specifically mentions that the demand is driven by their perceived nutritional and medicinal value, indicating that Chinese consumers view these products as having health and wellness benefits. This perception is creating sustained market interest and potential for increased trade volumes between the two countries, with the survey noting that China values donkey products for nutritional and medicinal properties. The survey has identified donkey meat exports as a potential growth area under a dedicated section titled 'New Export Avenue for Donkey Meat and Other Products'.
To support this trade expansion, the federal government has signed sanitary protocols with China for these exports, encouraging foreign investment, strengthening bilateral ties, and creating employment and livelihood opportunities for local farmers. A new license has been granted to M/s Shahzad and Shao to establish a donkey slaughterhouse in the Gwadar Free Zone, bringing the total number of licensed companies to two beside M/s Hangeng Trade. This infrastructure development is part of the government's broader strategy to facilitate legitimate trade in donkey products while ensuring food safety standards, as reported by the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.
The survey reveals that the number of donkeys in Pakistan increased from 6 million to 6.2 million from 2024-25 to 2025-26, compared to 5.9 million in 2023-24. This population growth creates new export opportunities and demonstrates the expanding potential of Pakistan's donkey-related products sector. Traditionally, donkeys have been raised to carry or pull heavy loads and constitute a key part of rural households, helping transport crops, fodder, wood, and other items in agrarian settings.
