US Pet Owners Brace for Growing Price Hikes Amid Tariff Pressures
April 21, 2025, 09:39 PM - Global Times
Tariffs rise. U.S. pet owners worry as prices climb. Experts note that the pet market seems stable now. They warn that hard times may come soon, mostly in the later months of 2025. ### Rising Costs of Pet Ownership
Tariffs hit many goods. Pet items now face high price pressure. Liu Xiaoxia explains that many pet accessories—such as toys, leashes, and bedding—come from countries like China. Tariffs on these items raise retail prices. Pet owners feel extra strain on their wallets.
A report from Petworks.com calls the pet care field one of the most affected. In 2023, the U.S. imported nearly 313.6 million kg of pet food. China supplied about 21.4 million kg worth around $140 million. World Bank data backs these figures.
Inflation pushes prices even higher. Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report shows 28% of pet owners struggle with basic supplies. At the same time, 52% worry that new tariffs will add to the cost.
Retailer Preparations and Market Dynamics
Retailers now act to fight price hikes. U.S. stores stock extra inventory. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet supply company, says U.S. clients now order three to six months of goods. This move helps them prevent supply gaps.
Zhang, an exporter of smart pet products, limits discounts on U.S. websites. His company raises prices in place of deep promotions. He adds that extra costs soon hit American buyers. His brand stays strong because of high product quality.
At present, the impact of tariffs is eased by existing stock. However, experts warn that long-term tariffs can deeply hurt the pet products market. Liu Xiaoxia notes that the U.S. lacks a strong domestic supply chain for pet items. Local production costs more. Chinese manufacturing remains key.
Chinese Companies Adapt with Strategic Resilience
Chinese pet supply companies face U.S. tariffs with strength. They shift markets to depend less on America. They also seek opportunities in other regions.
Europe now demands high-quality pet products. Some Chinese brands focus on growing their share in the EU. One manager says, “Many of our products meet EU rules,” and this match gives them an edge.
Other companies look at home. Major e-commerce sites like JD.com invest heavily. They use about 200 billion yuan (around $27.4 billion) in subsidies to boost domestic sales. This step helps rework goods affected by U.S. tariffs.
Looking Ahead
The pet industry is set to change. New smart technologies in pet items meet evolving consumer needs. Owners now want products with extra features.
China’s pet market grows fast. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper notes over 120 million pets in 2024 and a surge in urban demand. Growth now includes more than basic pet care items. This trend hints at a global future for pet products.
U.S. pet owners now face a mix of new tariffs, retail moves, and global shifts. These forces will shape pet ownership in America for months to come.
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