How Chinese Firms Submit Applications to Export Donkey Meat from Pakistan
China’s donkey meat market reached USD 9.58 billion in 2024, and meeting this demand requires a formal export channel from Pakistan. Navigating veterinary inspections, halal certification, licensing and port logistics poses a challenge for Chinese importers. This article explains the entire export journey—from surging Chinese appetite for donkey meat and ejiao to Pakistan’s donkey population, regulatory hurdles, Gwadar port infrastructure, economic and bilateral impacts, animal welfare safeguards, and future trade prospects. You will learn exactly how Chinese firms prepare and submit applications to export donkey meat, underpinned by regulatory frameworks and bilateral agreements.
Why Is China Importing Donkey Meat and By-Products from Pakistan?
Donkey meat imports have surged because China’s domestic donkey population has declined by 60 percent over the last decade, forcing firms to source meat and hides abroad. Importing donkey meat and by-products from Pakistan ensures a stable supply for both culinary uses and ejiao production, balancing supply gaps with Pakistan’s growing donkey herds.
What Drives China’s Growing Demand for Donkey Meat and Ejiao?
China’s demand for donkey products stems from three main factors:
- Traditional Medicine Value – Ejiao, the gelatin derived from donkey hides, is prized for improving blood circulation and treating anemia.
- Culinary Trends – Donkey meat dishes such as “驴肉火烧” (donkey burger) and hotpot specialties have become regional delicacies.
- Supply Shortfall – Domestic consumption of 2.4 million donkeys annually exceeds local herds, creating a 20 percent shortfall.
These drivers underscore why formal import channels from Pakistan are essential to sustain both medical and gastronomic markets.
China’s Demand for Donkey Products
China’s demand for donkey products is driven by the traditional medicine value of ejiao, culinary trends featuring donkey meat dishes, and a supply shortfall due to declining domestic donkey populations.
This source explains the drivers behind the demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hides, which is a key factor in the donkey meat trade.
How Does Ejiao Production Depend on Donkey Hides from Pakistan?
Ejiao production depends on quality donkey hides because gelatin purity and collagen content determine therapeutic efficacy. Pakistani hides deliver:
- High collagen density for stronger gel strength
- Compliance with halal and veterinary standards
- Traceable skin origins enhancing consumer trust
Securing hides through licensed export ensures consistent ejiao quality and supports China’s pharmaceutical and health-supplement industries.
What Are the Culinary Uses of Donkey Meat in China?
Donkey meat provides lean protein and distinctive flavor profiles in dishes such as:
- Donkey Burger (驴肉火烧) – Grilled meat between unleavened bread
- Donkey Meat Hotpot – Sliced meat simmered with spices
- Stewed Donkey Ribs – Slow-cooked with traditional Chinese herbs
These preparations illustrate donkey meat’s versatility in regional cuisines, reinforcing import demand from Pakistan’s herds.
What Is Pakistan’s Role in the Global Donkey Meat Supply Chain?
Pakistan supplies up to 216,000 donkey hides and 50,000 tons of meat annually, leveraging its 6.05 million-strong donkey population to fill global gaps. As China’s key supplier, Pakistan’s farming practices, export infrastructure and regulatory support cement its role in the donkey meat trade.
How Large Is Pakistan’s Donkey Population and Its Growth Trends?
Pakistan’s donkey population rose from 5.2 million in 2018 to 6.05 million in 2024, driven by:
Pakistan’s Donkey Population Growth
Pakistan’s donkey population has increased, rising from 5.2 million in 2018 to 6.05 million in 2024, supporting expanding export quotas and ejiao supply chains.
This source provides data on the growth of Pakistan’s donkey population, which is crucial for the country’s role in the global donkey meat supply chain.
Sustained growth supports expanding export quotas and underpins ejiao supply chains.
What Livestock and Farming Practices Support Donkey Meat Export?
Farmers implement sustainable practices to maintain herd health and productivity:
- Rotational grazing to preserve pasture quality
- Selective breeding for meat yield and hide thickness
- Veterinary vaccination programs against equine diseases
These measures ensure herds meet export health standards and population sustainability targets.
How Does Pakistan’s Export Portfolio Benefit from Donkey Meat Trade?
Diversifying into donkey meat exports yields multiple advantages:
- Foreign Exchange Earnings – Export revenues of USD 45 million in 2024
- Rural Employment – Creation of 12,000 jobs in breeding and processing
- Agricultural Diversification – Reduced reliance on traditional crops
This trade stream strengthens Pakistan’s agricultural sector and balances export portfolios.
How Do Chinese Firms Apply to Export Donkey Meat from Pakistan?
Chinese firms must satisfy sanitary, halal and licensing requirements before exporting donkey meat. The application process ensures traceability from farm to port, safeguarding product integrity and regulatory compliance.
What Are the Regulatory Requirements for Donkey Meat Export?
Exporters must secure:
- Health certificates confirming disease-free status
- Halal certification from recognized authorities
- Origin and weight declarations for hides and meat
- Compliance with Pakistan’s Meat Export Policy
Meeting these requirements establishes a transparent and traceable supply chain.
Which Government Bodies Oversee Export Applications and Approvals?
Three key agencies regulate the process:
Coordinated oversight by these bodies streamlines approval workflows.
What Is the Step-by-Step Application and Licensing Process?
Export licensing follows a clear sequence:
- Submit farm health and herd vaccination records to MNFSR.
- Apply for halal certification through accredited religious boards.
- Obtain export license from MNFSR with meat and hide specifications.
- Schedule veterinary inspection at designated slaughterhouse.
- Complete customs manifest and pay export duties.
- Transport approved cargo to Gwadar port under cold chain.
- Receive final clearance from Pakistan Customs for shipment.
This sequence ensures each shipment meets bilateral trade agreements and health standards.
How Does Gwadar Port Facilitate Donkey Meat Export from Pakistan?
Gwadar Port serves as the exclusive export hub for donkey meat, combining strategic location, modern facilities and CPEC connectivity to streamline shipments to China.
Why Is Gwadar the Sole Export Hub for Donkey Meat?
Gwadar’s status as sole hub results from:
- Deep-water port capacity handling refrigerated containers
- Designation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- Proximity to large-scale processing facilities
Gwadar Port’s Role in Export
Gwadar Port serves as the exclusive export hub for donkey meat, benefiting from its deep-water port capacity, designation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and proximity to processing facilities.
This source highlights the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, which is essential for facilitating the export of donkey meat from Pakistan to China.
Concentrating exports at Gwadar enhances logistical efficiency and security.
What Facilities Support Donkey Meat Processing at Gwadar?
Gwadar hosts specialized infrastructure including:
- Five licensed slaughterhouses with HACCP standards
- Cold-storage warehouses maintaining −18 °C chain
- On-site veterinary laboratories for rapid testing
These facilities ensure meat and hides remain safe and compliant before export.
How Is Quality and Compliance Ensured During Export?
Exporters implement a multi-stage quality protocol:
- Farm-to-slaughterhouse traceability systems
- Laboratory testing for pathogens and chemical residues
- Halal audit and certification verification
- Sealed cold-chain transport to port terminals
- Final customs inspection against documentation
This rigorous approach safeguards product integrity throughout the supply chain.
What Are the Economic and Bilateral Impacts of Donkey Meat Export?
Donkey meat trade bolsters Pakistan’s economy, creates rural livelihoods and fortifies China-Pakistan ties under existing free-trade frameworks.
How Does Donkey Meat Export Generate Foreign Exchange for Pakistan?
Annual export revenues have climbed from USD 12 million in 2020 to USD 45 million in 2024, with projected increases under new quotas. These earnings support currency reserves and reduce trade deficits.
What Job Creation and Rural Development Results from This Trade?
Donkey meat processing and breeding have:
- Added 12,000 direct jobs in slaughterhouses and farms
- Stimulated ancillary services (transport, packaging)
- Fostered skills training in veterinary and cold-chain management
Local economies benefit from stable income sources and infrastructure investment.
How Does This Trade Strengthen China-Pakistan Economic Relations?
Formalizing donkey meat exports under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) and CPEC:
- Deepens bilateral trust and market integration
- Expands portfolio of agricultural exports
- Demonstrates success of cross-border cooperation
This trade exemplifies the evolving partnership in strategic sectors.
What Are the Animal Welfare and Sustainability Considerations in Donkey Meat Export?
Maintaining donkey welfare and herd sustainability is essential for ethical trade and long-term supply stability.
How Are Sustainable Donkey Farming Practices Implemented?
Sustainability relies on:
- Balanced breeding programs to prevent over-harvesting
- Pasture rotation to preserve forage resources
- Community-based herd monitoring to track population health
These practices align export growth with ecological stewardship.
What Regulations Address Animal Welfare in Export Supply Chains?
Pakistan’s export code mandates:
- Humane handling standards at farms and slaughterhouses
- Mandatory veterinary oversight during transport
- Third-party audits for halal and welfare compliance
Strict enforcement protects donkey populations and meets international expectations.
How Do Organizations Like The Donkey Sanctuary Influence Trade Practices?
Non-governmental bodies contribute by:
- Conducting welfare audits for export facilities
- Advising on humane husbandry and slaughter methods
- Raising consumer awareness about ethical sourcing
Their advocacy reinforces trust and transparency in donkey meat trade.
What Are the Future Prospects for Donkey Meat Export Between China and Pakistan?
Industry projections and infrastructure plans point to steady growth and evolving policies that promise deeper market penetration.
How Is the Donkey Meat Market Expected to Grow Globally and in China?
The global donkey meat market is projected to expand at a 9.7 percent CAGR from 2024 to 2031, with China’s segment growing at 11.2 percent annually. Rising disposable incomes and renewed interest in traditional medicine underpin this trajectory.
What Infrastructure Developments Are Planned to Support Export Growth?
Planned enhancements include:
- Two new cold-chain corridors linking Balochistan farms to Gwadar
- Upgrades to slaughterhouse capacity from 200 to 400 heads per day
- Expansion of refrigerated container berths at Gwadar port
These projects will double export throughput by 2028.
How Might Trade Policies Evolve to Enhance Export Opportunities?
Potential policy shifts include:
- Lowered export duties under a CPFTA amendment
- Quota increases for donkey hides aligned with ejiao demand
- Streamlined licensing via a one-window regulatory portal
Such measures would simplify application processes and boost trade volumes.
Donkey meat exports from Pakistan to China illustrate a unique convergence of veterinary science, halal compliance, infrastructure development and bilateral cooperation. As demand grows and regulatory frameworks evolve, Chinese firms equipped with clear application pathways and Pakistan’s robust supply chain will shape the next chapter in this specialized trade.