The global trade in donkey hides has seen a massive expansion over the past decade and a half, primarily driven by surging demand from China for ejiao (阿胶), a traditional medicine and luxury health product made from gelatin extracted from donkey skins.

Drivers of the Demand

Ejiao Production: Ejiao is marketed in China to improve blood circulation, treat anemia, boost immunity, and provide anti-aging benefits. It is sold in bars, powders, and infused in luxury snacks.
Domestic Shortage in China: China’s native donkey population drastically declined over the past few decades due to agricultural mechanization and slow donkey breeding cycles. To meet the demand for millions of hides per year, Chinese manufacturers turned heavily to imports from Africa, South America, and Central Asia.

South Africa emerged as a significant sourcing hub—both legally and through illicit supply chains:

Export Quotas vs. Illegal Trade: South Africa established legal annual quotas for exporting donkey hides (historically around 7,300 per year). However, demand far exceeded legal limits, resulting in a widespread illegal trade fueled by livestock theft and underground slaughter operations.
Devastating Impact on Rural Communities: In rural South African communities, donkeys serve as vital draught animals for transport, firewood/water retrieval, and agricultural labor. The spike in hide prices led to widespread donkey theft, directly threatening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural households.
Cruelty and Animal Welfare Concerns: Global and local animal welfare organizations, such as the SPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary, documented severe welfare issues surrounding illegal slaughter facilities and smuggling practices.

The severe depletion of donkey populations and the socio-economic toll triggered major policy changes:

African Union Ban (February 2024): Recognizing the threat to rural economies, African heads of state at the 37th African Union (AU) Summit agreed to a continent-wide ban on the slaughter of donkeys for their hides.
South African High Court Rulings: Local courts in South Africa have increasingly scrutinized export quotas, ruling against illegal export permits and upholding stricter animal welfare regulations.