US Pet Owners Brace for Impact from New Tariffs, Industry Expert Warns
By Zhang Yiyi
Published: April 21, 2025, 09:39 PM
The US government now imposes tariffs. Tariffs hit many imports. Pet owners feel stress. Insiders warn: tariffs may block access to pet food and supplies. Tariffs push up prices and squeeze budgets.
Rising Costs of Pet Care
The US pet market looks steady for now. Distributors stock up. Liu Xiaoxia, deputy secretary-general of the pet branch at the China Animal Agriculture Association, warns of major trouble soon. Many pet toys, leashes, and beds come from China. Tariffs now hit these items.
A report from Petworks.com shows costs rise from tariffs. In 2023, the US imported 313.6 million kilograms of pet food. China contributed about 21.4 million kilograms worth $140 million, according to World Bank data.
Inflation makes pet care cost more. Rover’s "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025" shows 28% of pet owners struggle with basics. Fifty-two percent worry that tariffs will push prices even higher.
Stockpiling and Supply Chain Pressures
US retailers take swift steps. They build stock. Orders now cover three to six months. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet supply company in Anhui, sees a big jump in orders in early 2025. US buyers act with caution.
Zhang, an exporter of smart pet products, now cuts discounts on US e-commerce sites. He says the price hike comes in disguise. Higher costs reach American consumers. Yet Zhang keeps his margins high because his brand stands strong.
A Glimpse into the Future
Many US distributors now store goods to ease initial shocks. But what if tariffs last? Liu notes that the US lacks a full domestic pet supply chain. Local production costs rise. The US depends on Chinese imports. China makes quality goods at low cost, leaving few options for US retailers.
Global Expansion of Chinese Pet Manufacturers
Chinese pet companies now plan for global success. They seek markets beyond the US. Many expand in Europe and emerging markets. In Europe, high-quality Chinese products now meet strict regulations. Zhang says 20% of his business comes from the US, but Europe shows strong growth as pet ownership there soars.
Opportunities at Home for Chinese Companies
Chinese firms also push for local sales. They get help from e-commerce subsidies. Liu notes that 200 billion yuan (around $27.4 billion) now supports products hit by tariffs. This aid boosts projects with partners like JD.com.
China’s pet market now grows fast. Demand now runs high for basic and novel pet products. In 2024, China had an estimated 120 million pets. Urban markets now drive sales past 300 billion yuan. Consumers now seek personalized, smart pet care.
US consumers and businesses now must plan for change. Tariffs reshape pet care prices. Tariffs also shift market trends in pet ownership and care.
contact mindful ai media creations here: mindfulaimedia@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment