Exclusive: EU targets pet food in potential retaliatory tariffs against US

The European Commission added US-made pet food as one of the products subject to trade retaliation if the outcome of the ongoing negotiations doesn’t end with the removal of the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump in April.

Officials in Brussels have prepared a draft list of industrial and agricultural products worth €95 billion ($106.4B), which could be subject to potential import duties.

The 218-page list, seen by GlobalPETS, includes all Combined Nomenclature (CN) references for pet food. The CN code is the EU’s system for classifying goods in international trade.

In 2024, the European Union ranked as the 6th-largest export market for U.S. pet food. According to official data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American pet food manufacturers exported $59.9 million (€53.4M) worth of dog and cat food to EU countries, down from $62.5 million (€55.8M) in 2023.

Far-reaching impact

The US pet industry has expressed concerns about potential trade retaliation from Europe.

“While the pet industry has demonstrated its strength and resilience, the imposition of tariffs, including retaliatory tariffs, carries far-reaching implications and could negatively impact global trade for our members,” Pete Scott, President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), tells GlobalPETS.

The association, representing over 1,000 pet product manufacturers, importers and suppliers, says it remains “committed to advocating for policies that protect pet businesses and the people and pets they care for.”

What’s next?

The European Commission invites anyone affected by these countermeasures to submit their views by 10 June.

Once this period is over, the Commission will present a final proposal for the adoption of countermeasures and will consult with the Member States on the details.

“We will not accept an outcome at any price. That is why we are actively consulting with our Member States, industry and stakeholders to prepare for all eventualities,” says Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.