US pet food exports decline in Asia but ramp up in Mexico and Jamaica

After 2 years of record-setting export numbers, American pet food exports decreased to $2.4 billion (€2.2B). In 2022, sales were $2.48 billion (€2.3B).

The US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service states that US pet food exports have steadily risen in the past 6 years, from $1.3 billion (€1.2B) in 2017 to $1.7 billion (€1.6B) in 2020. 

This activity saw a big jump between 2021 and 2022. Pet food exports went from $2 billion (€1.8B) to $2.48 billion (€2.3B). However, it appears to have bucked this trend, even if slightly, in 2023. 

Highs and lows

The PFI notes the downturn in the Asian markets, describing it as a “surprising outcome” because it had shown the highest growth rates in 2021 and 2022 but posted the largest losses in 2023. 

The institute attributed this to persistent global inflation, noting that pet food prices continue to increase in several markets. The PFI also added that local pet food products are often priced lower than their American counterparts, encouraging consumers to buy them more in these economic conditions. 

US pet food remained in high demand in other markets, with Canada continuing to be the largest importer, with sales worth $1.2 billion (€1.1B) in 2023. 

Mexico (+16%) and Jamaica (+16.9%) experienced the most significant percentage growth last year. While Mexico imported $206 million (€191.6M) worth of pet food, Jamaica hit $5.3 million (€4.9M).

Overcoming challenges

The PFI says it is working to overcome the challenges US pet food exports faced in certain markets in 2023. 

It has submitted a funding proposal for the new USDA Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP), which has been created to promote US agriculture in non-traditional and emerging markets, specifically in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

The institute has also applied for funding for Brazil, South Korea, Central America, Taiwan, South Africa and the Global RAPP, which can be used across markets.