Pakistan Finds New Revenue Stream Through Donkey Hides

Growing Chinese demand for donkey meat and hides has opened a new export opportunity for Pakistan. A facility has been established in the Gwadar North Free Zone to process donkey meat and hides for export to China. The Chinese company Hangeng operates the facility, and Pakistan’s first consignments of donkey meat produced in the Gwadar Free Zone entered the Chinese market in July 2026. Two consignments of meat and hides were valued at $195,425.

China’s demand for donkey hides is linked partly to the production of Ejiao, a traditional product made from donkey hide. Pakistan’s donkey population has crossed six million, according to recent data. The Pakistani government has established export protocols and approved facilities in Gwadar for processing and shipping donkey meat and hides to China. Officials and industry reports say the emerging sector could attract investment, create employment and diversify Pakistan’s exports.