Tariffs Impact US Pet Owners, Industry Experts Warn
By Zhang Yiyi | Global Times | April 21, 2025
The United States faces new tariffs. These tariffs raise costs for pet care. Experts and business people warn that prices will jump. They point to tariffs as the root cause. US pet owners and retailers now feel the pressure.
Rising Prices Due to Tariffs
US businesses report higher prices and supply issues. Liu Xiaoxia, deputy secretary-general at the China Animal Agriculture Association’s pet branch, tells us that US pet owners will see more trouble soon. She says stocks are running low. Toys, leashes, and bedding come from countries like China. Tariffs on these items push retail prices higher. A report by Petworks.com shows that extra costs will hit pet owners hard.
In 2023, the US imported about 313.6 million kilograms of dog and cat food. China contributed about 21.4 million kilograms worth $140 million. This reliance on imports means the tariffs can make things more difficult when prices rise steadily with inflation.
Concerns Among Pet Owners
Tariffs already affect pet budgets. Rover’s "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025" finds that 28% of pet owners struggle with pet basics. Also, 52% worry that tariffs will raise costs further, and they feel anxious about paying more.
US retailers try to prepare by stacking extra goods. Some order enough to cover three to six months. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet supply company in Wuhu, reports strong first-quarter orders in 2025. One exporter of smart pet products said they changed prices. The company hid price rises with fewer promotions.
Supply Chain Limitations
Many US distributors hold enough Chinese pet supplies for now. Experts warn, however, that a long tariff spell will run out of time. US supply chains for pet items are not well-developed. High local costs stop quick alternatives from emerging. Liu notes that China still leads in quality, cost, and production size. American retailers now see few ready substitutes.
Resilience of Chinese Pet Industry
Chinese pet suppliers stay strong. Liu observes that many companies now spread their markets. This step cuts the risk of leaning on one country. They push fast into global sales. Chinese pet goods gain favor in Europe. Higher rules in Europe help quality suppliers. One Chinese brand manager mentions that smart pet products still stay under 1% in market share. Big platforms like JD.com now use subsidies. Their goal is to support domestic sales for tariff-hit products.
Domestic Market Opportunities
Chinese pet suppliers also look to home demand. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper shows over 120 million pets lived in China in 2024. The urban dog and cat market grew past 300 billion yuan. New trends and ideas drive pet care. Companies now make products that serve more than basic needs. They try to match the new lifestyles of pet owners.
In conclusion, US pet owners face rising costs because of tariffs. Chinese pet suppliers plan for these changes. They adapt and search for new markets. Retailers and consumers must watch these issues as they grow.
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