Karachi, September 16, 2024 — Donkey prices in Pakistan have soared to as much as PKR 300,000, fueled by an increasing demand for donkey hides in the global cosmetics market. The rise is primarily driven by the growing use of donkey hides in beauty products, particularly in China.
Donkey hides are prized for their role in the production of a range of cosmetics and traditional remedies, including a notable Chinese medicine known as “e jia.” This heightened demand from China has led to a dramatic increase in prices, impacting local markets such as Karachi’s Lehari donkey market.
With the escalating value of donkey hides, local buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford donkeys, shifting the market dynamics significantly. The export of hides to meet the burgeoning needs of the cosmetics industry has turned donkeys into a valuable commodity, highlighting the global influence on local economies.
