“China imports millions of donkey hides from Africa every year: New book traces the drivers and impact”

Key points

• China drives nearly all demand for ejiao, fueling a global donkey hide market.
• Ejiao can fetch over $400 per donkey hide in China, spurring illicit trade.
• Africa hosts two-thirds of the world's donkeys, increasing export pressure.
• Moratorium calls were endorsed by the AU, aiming for 15-year slaughter halt.
• Donkey prices rose sharply in 2010s–2022, harming rural livelihoods and mobility.