The move to drop the tax from 5% to 2% will further threaten the animal’s population, campaigners say.
China is reducing the import tax on donkey skins for use in traditional medicine despite fears over a global reduction in the animal’s population.
From Monday, the tax will fall from 5% to 2%, making imports cheaper.
Gelatine made from donkey skin is highly prized in China and purchases of hides have soared in recent years.
Campaigners say this has led to a reduction in donkey numbers in countries across Africa, where they are widely used for work and transport.
The surge in demand for imports comes after China’s own population of the animals has more than halved since 1990, according to government figures.
