China’s Surge in African Donkey‑Hide Imports Sparks Environmental and Trade Concerns

China’s appetite for donkey skins, primarily used to produce the traditional gelatin known as ejiao, has driven imports of millions of hides from African nations each year, according to a new book by trade analyst Lauren Johnston.

Johnston, who has spent several years tracking the flow of donkeys and their by‑products between the two continents, documents how demand in China has risen sharply over the past fifteen years. The market boom has turned what was once a modest, regional trade into a sprawling supply chain that stretches across dozens of African countries, feeding factories that process the hides for the Chinese traditional‑medicine market.

The expansion of the trade has had tangible effects on the ground. In several African communities, the price of a live donkey has climbed dramatically, prompting herders to sell animals that were once essential for transport, farming and ceremonial purposes. Conservationists warn that the heightened pressure could threaten already vulnerable donkey populations, especially in arid regions where the animals play a critical role in livelihoods.

Johnston’s research also highlights the complex logistics that underpin the industry. Donkey hides are often moved through informal routes, sometimes bypassing customs checks, which raises concerns about smuggling and the enforcement capacity of both African and Chinese authorities. The book notes that the lack of transparent reporting makes it difficult to gauge the full scale of the trade, complicating efforts to regulate it.

Beyond animal welfare, the surge in donkey‑hide imports raises broader economic questions. While some African exporters benefit from higher revenues, critics argue that the short‑term gains may be offset by longer‑term losses in agricultural productivity and rural employment. In China, the reliance on imported skins has sparked debate over the sustainability of traditional medicine practices that depend on animal products.

Looking ahead, Johnston suggests that policymakers in both regions could explore alternatives, such as plant‑based gelatin substitutes, and strengthen traceability mechanisms to curb illegal trade. As the book makes clear, the donkey‑hide market sits at the intersection of cultural tradition, global trade, and environmental stewardship, making its future trajectory a matter of interest for a wide range of stakeholders.