UK pet food to go tariff-free under new Trans-Pacific trade deal

The UK’s entry to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will make pet food tariff-free in Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

“Pet supplies, including pet food, are already tariff-free with some CPTPP countries due to existing free trade agreements. However, after the deal, tariffs on these products will be removed for the first time with other members,” says a spokesperson for the UK Department for Business and Trade to GlobalPETS.

From 15 December 2024, more than 99% of British goods exported to CPTPP countries will be tariff-free, helping businesses expand in these markets.

What is the CPTPP?

It is a free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam which was formed in 2018.

The 11 members have combined economies representing 13.4% of global gross domestic product (GDP), making the CPTPP one of the world’s largest free trade areas.

The agreement is part of the UK’s plan to diversify its supply chains and trade more with fast-growing economies. It could boost the UK economy up to £2 billion ($2.6B/€2.4B) a year by 2040.

“This is good news for UK businesses, who are now one step closer to benefiting from the opportunities our membership of CPTPP will bring,” says Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander.

Industry reaction

The British pet food industry association, UK Pet Food, welcomes the move by pointing out that the country currently exports £20 million ($26.5M/€23.8M) of dog and cat food per year to courtly members of the CPTPP.

They believe that the agreement is a “well-negotiated deal that provides significant advantages” for UK food and farming businesses, while also protecting the country’s important agricultural industries.

“All food and drink products, including pet food, imported into the UK will continue to meet our rigorous import requirements,” tells GlobalPETS Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive of UK Pet Food.

Paley admits that “stringent” sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures ensure that “our high standards for animal and plant health, food safety, and animal welfare remain uncompromised.”