WASHINGTON, DC. — In the face of inflation, supply chain disruptions and the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the US dog and cat food industry continued to bolster its presence in the international marketplace in 2022. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Global Agricultural Trade System, exports of US dog and cat food were up 20% in 2022 at a value of $2.4 billion.

Pet Food Institute (PFI) cited this data alongside its own efforts to expand market access for US pet food producers in its latest trade update.

One of such initiatives by PFI was a global standard setting investment through the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) early on in 2022, prompted by the risk of HPAI. Through this strategic investment, GAPFA and the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH) created science-based guidelines for industry members, including standards for the heat treatment of poultry products to ensure continued safe trade.

According to PFI, opportunities remain for ensuring global adherence to these trade standards.

Additionally, the institute has long partnered with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on its Market Access Program (MAP), which funds and promotes the expansion of US agricultural commodities and products around the world. PFI is currently leveraging funding to promote US pet food and treat exports in 17 countries through marketing campaigns, local veterinary outreach, and rescue support.

In January, PFI received more than $1.37 million in funding toward the MAP, alongside other industry organizations.

In November 2022, PFI commended a legislative proposal of the Supporting Market Access to Reinvigorate Trade Act of 2022, or the SMART Act, to support trade for US agricultural and pet food industries. If enacted into law, the SMART Act is anticipated to increase MAP funding by at least $400 million.

To support the Market Access Program and opportunities abroad, PFI has also created a Market Tracker tool to provide timely information about international markets active within the MAP program. The tool includes market overviews, trends, forecasts and key market drivers to helps US pet food processors explore and assess trade opportunities.

PFI stated it will continue to advocate for science-based regulatory methods and market expansion to benefit US pet food producers in 2023 and beyond.

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