SHANGHAI — In 2024, China’s pet market reached $41.9 billion, a 7.5% increase year-over-year, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and the Shanghai Agricultural Trade Office (ATO). Of this, pet food accounted for the largest segment with a 52.8% share, representing an opportunity for US pet food manufacturers though tariffs continue to be an issue. 

According to the General Administration of Customs China (GACC), the country imported $499.8 million worth of pet food in 2024, a decrease of 11.4% year-over-year. Additionally, from January to February 2025, China imported a total of $44.2 million of products, a 10.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. 

This decrease in imports is attributed to rises in domestic manufacturing in China. In 2024, the country’s total pet food production rose 9.3% to reach 1.6 million tons. Provinces Shandong and Hebei contributed more than 70% of this production, whereas areas Tianjin and Henan experienced significant growth of 58.5% and 119%, respectively. 

Despite decreasing imports, US pet food products continue to be popular in the country. For the past four years, China has been one of the United States’ top pet food export markets. In 2024, US exports of dog and cat food to China reached $296.57 million, a 15% increase year-over-year, according to US Census Bureau Trade Data. 

Nutrition trends

Within China’s pet industry, pet food represents the largest chunk, as pet ownership continues to rise and owners ramp up their spending. The Chinese pet population is anticipated to reach 300 million by 2035 due to urbanization and younger Gen Zers entering the workforce. Additionally, the average annual spending per pet dog and cat rose 3% and 4.9%, respectively, in 2024.

As opposed to the United States where dogs dominate, cats dominate in the Chinese pet market. In 2024, the cat nutrition market rose 10.7%, whereas the dog nutrition market witnessed growth of 4.6%. This preference for felines is attributed to Millennial and Gen Z pet parents, who prefer the lower maintenance cats offer compared to dogs. 

Within the pet food sector, high-end formulas are expected to witness significant growth in 2025, with domestic brands set to outperform international brands. Currently, US products dominated the high-end pet food market and Chinese domestic brands lead the mid-to-low-end market. 

Functionality is also set to experience growth as Chinese pet owners become more aware about their pets’ health and wellness. Digestive health, immune enhancing, and skin and coat care are the top functional characteristics sought out by Chinese pet parents. Emerging functional trends include targeting heart and blood health in canines and liver and kidney support in felines. 

Dog owners are seeking out dental treats, freeze-dried training treats, jerkies and chews, while cat owners are focused on nutritional supplements, liquid treats, freeze-dried offerings, as well as functional options that target needs like hairball control and hydration.

In the pet treat market specifically, freeze-dried snacks, cartilage treats, meat floss, dental sticks, aid-dried meat and meat-wrapped chews are experiencing growth in the dog sector. In cats, high growth is coming from freeze-dried donuts, grass sticks, pocket treats, cakes, yogurt-based snacks and freeze-dried lollipops. 

As part of rising demand for functional pet nutrition products, interest in prescription pet food is also increasing. According to the Shanghai ATO, prescription pet food sales rose 66% in online sales. Top formulas include those that support urinary and digestive health, as well as diets low in fat. 

Demand for senior-specific pet foods has also risen as the aging pet population continues to grow. It’s estimated that senior dogs account for 23% of China’s total dog population and senior cats account for 11% of the total cat population. Nearly all consumers with aging pets consider senior-specific pet foods, specifically those targeting joint, digestive and cognitive health. 

Tariff situation

Tariffs in China are a significant concern, as the two countries continue to duke it out. As of May 12, the United States and China reached a potential agreement on tariffs, with China reducing its import duty on US products from 125% to 10%. The countries are currently under a 90-day pause while under negotiations. 

Additionally, on Dec. 28, 2024, the GAAC raised the most favored nation (MFN) tariff rates on some imported products, including pet food, which went into effect Jan. 1. The tentative MFN rate on prepackaged pet food increased from 4% to 10%. 

Despite the various trade opportunities the Chinese pet food industry offers, the evolving tariff situation makes this particular market a challenge for US processors looking to expand trade. 

Learn more about the Chinese pet food market. 

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