Navigating Trade Turmoil: The Effect of U.S. Tariffs on Pet Food Manufacturing Costs

Trade Tariffs Create Uncertainty for Pet Food Manufacturing Sector

April 10, 2025
By Lisa Cleaver

The U.S. government set new tariffs. These tariffs now worry pet food makers. The White House announced them, and manufacturers fear higher costs. Imported ingredients and packaging now cost more. This cost rise may push consumer prices up.

Impacts of Newly Imposed Tariffs

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump set these tariffs. He imposed a 10% tariff on goods from Canada, Mexico, and the EU. For Chinese goods, the tariff jumped to 145%. Tariffs hit aluminum and steel. These materials pack pet food. Manufacturers feel this risk. They see higher costs that may shrink profits. Small pet food brands fear they must raise prices.

Industry Response

Mike Bober, president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, spoke on April 10. He stressed that tariffs now disturb ingredient supply.
"At midnight on April 9, extra tariffs came into effect, with a 50% increase for China," Bober said. He meant the tariffs matched the White House plan. He spoke after a House Ways and Means Committee hearing. The hearing looked at agriculture and goods that cannot grow at home.

Late on April 9, the White House shifted plans. They paused most new tariffs to allow open talks. The extra tariffs now wait. Yet tariffs on Chinese goods remain unclear.
"The 10% tariffs stay, while others pause," Bober explained. "We still worry about Canada and Mexico since tariff plans there are unclear."

Looking Ahead

Pet food makers must track trade changes closely. Groups like the American Pet Products Association, the Pet Industry Distributors Association, and the World Pet Association plan next steps. They meet to adjust for changes in supply chains and rising costs. Trade negotiations may bring more changes. Companies may need new plans to keep serving consumers.

The pet food industry works hard to stay strong. They watch policy shifts and act quickly. They plan to adjust rules and meet customer needs as trade talks continue.

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