WASHINGTON — Following recent discussions between US, China and UK trade officials, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) expressed some optimism regarding proposed changes for United States and China tariffs, as well as the proposed trade agreement with the United Kingdom. According to AFIA, both China and the United Kingdom present valuable opportunities for US animal food manufacturers. 

Under the potential agreement with China, the United States would lower tariffs on Chinese imports to 30% from its current 145%; China would reduce its import duty to 10% from 125% on American goods; and the two countries would place a 90-day pause on new tariffs while trade representatives negotiate.

“China is a top destination for many US animal food products and provides many essential ingredients, like vitamins, not produced elsewhere globally that allow US animal food manufacturers to produce complete and balanced animal food,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of AFIA. “We support President Donald Trump’s initiative to ensure our trading partners are treating American industries fairly and are in our best national security interests. We are hopeful that the 90-day tariff pause will provide the breathing room needed for Chinese and US trade officials to reach a mutual agreement that benefits the US animal food industry and agricultural economy.”

China is the US animal food industry’s third top export destination by value at $1.27 billion in 2024, according to AFIA. In 2024, the US animal food industry imported roughly $549 million in ingredients and animal food products, with some of the top imports being vitamin E, amino acids, dog and cat food, vitamin C and animal feed.

In addition, last week, US trade officials announced the potential trade agreement with the United Kingdom, the 19th largest trading partner for US animal food exports, based on 2024 data. While the two countries negotiate a final agreement, the United States will maintain a 10% baseline tariff on British imports and reduce levies on various commodities, while the United Kingdom will reduce or eliminate several non-tariff trade barriers that have impeded the United States’ ability to conduct trade with the country. 

“For years, the AFIA has said that agriculture needs to be included in any trade discussions with our European counterparts, particularly in the United Kingdom, and we are excited that our calls have not fallen on deaf ears with the Trump administration,” Cullman commented. “The new US-UK trade agreement is slated to offer ‘unprecedented access’ of many American-made agricultural products to the United Kingdom, and we hope that includes animal feed.”

According to the AFIA, it wants to see a reduction in tariffs and a commitment from the United Kingdom to pursue science-based standards and regulations, both domestically and internationally. 

Read the latest updates on tariff issues impacting the pet food industry.