How Rising Tariffs are Impacting US Pet Owners and the Pet Industry: Insights from Industry Experts

US Pet Owners Face Price Hikes Amid Rising Tariffs, Industry Experts Warn

By Zhang Yiyi | Global Times
Published: April 21, 2025, 09:39 PM

Tariffs hit the U.S. economy hard. Pet owners feel the strain. Tariffs drive up pet care prices. Experts in China’s pet industry warn American buyers face new challenges.

Direct Impact of Tariffs

Many U.S. consumers and businesses feel pressure. Prices rise. Supply chains break. Liu Xiaoxia, deputy secretary-general of the China Animal Agriculture Association's pet branch, explains distributors built early stock. Today, the market stays stable. Later in the year, Liu predicts “major trouble” for retailers and buyers.

Tariffs hit pet accessories hard. Toys, leashes, and bedding see steep price jumps. Petworks.com, a U.S. pet care platform, shows that tariff costs raise prices on imported goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. In 2023, the U.S. imported 313.6 million kilograms of pet food. China supplied nearly 21.4 million kilograms worth about $140 million.

Rising Costs and Consumer Strain

Inflation adds to the burden of tariffs. Pet care becomes costlier. Rover’s "True Cost of Pet Parenthood" reveals that 28% of pet owners struggle with expenses. Fifty-two percent worry tariffs will make costs worse.

Retailers act fast. They stockpile supplies months ahead. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet goods company, said U.S. clients now order three to six months of stock. This stockpiling shows buyers fear higher prices and less product in the future.

As prices rise, some exporters cut promotions on U.S. sites. Zhang, a specialist in premium smart pet products, noted fewer coupons and discounts. This change hides a price boost caused by tariffs.

A Glimpse of the Future

Many U.S. distributors now hold enough stock from China to last until midyear. But tariffs may press the market further over time. Liu points out that the U.S. lacks a strong pet supply chain. Local manufacturing costs stay high compared to China. This gap leaves retailers with few alternative sources.

Chinese Industry Resilience

Chinese pet product insiders stay optimistic. They work to expand global markets. Many firms now move beyond the U.S. Liu observed that prominent Chinese pet supply companies speed up their global plans. European markets now welcome quality pet supplies under strict EU rules.

Zhang mentioned that his company focuses on international trade. Sales in Europe rise as many households there own cats. The market for smart pet products grows across borders.

Growth Amid Challenges

Chinese companies now also target their home market. Liu explained that major e-commerce sites like JD.com offer subsidies. These deals help boost demand despite U.S. tariffs. With over 120 million pets by 2024 and a market of more than 300 billion yuan, China shows strong pet industry growth.

U.S. pet owners face rising costs now due to tariffs. Yet, the pet supply industry adapts. Both American and Chinese sides work hard to manage today’s shifting economic paths.

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