Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said Thai pet food exports comprised 10% of the global total last year, reports the Bangkok Post.
Germany continues to lead the world in pet food exports, tallying $3.28bn last year or 12.3% of the total. Other leading exporters included the US with exports worth $2.52bn (9.4%), Poland with exports worth $2.41bn (9%), and France with exports worth $2.31bn (8.6%).
He said last year’s global pet food market was robust, with imports valued at $26.5bn. The top import markets were Germany, the US, the UK, Poland and Canada.
Mr Poonpong said Thailand’s competitiveness in dog and cat food remains stable and there is growth potential in various markets, attributed to the country’s outstanding reputation for product quality and standards.
In 2024, Thailand’s key dog and cat food markets were the US with exports worth $868 million, up 47% year-on-year and accounting for 32.4% of total exports. Exports to Japan tallied $329mn, followed by Australia ($167mn), Italy ($165mn), and Malaysia ($138mn).
These five markets collectively represent 62.3% of Thailand’s total pet food exports.
Mr Poonpong said the growth of the pet food market is driven by a rising global trend in pet ownership and demographic shifts, including an increasing elderly population and smaller family sizes.
He said global consumers are increasingly interested in imported products, particularly those with a heightened focus on pet health.
Thai entrepreneurs who innovate multifunctional pet food such as health-conscious, vitamin-enriched formulas tailored for young, sick, or ageing pets, made from high-quality ingredients, are well-positioned to cater to this demand.
Mr Poonpong also advised producers to focus on environmentally-friendly issues, particularly in packaging. By aligning with these trends, Thai exporters could find opportunities to expand their reach to both major markets such as Europe, the US, Japan, and China as well as new markets in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In the first seven months of this year, Thailand’s exports of dog and cat food reached $1.69bn, up 10.7%.
The US remains the largest export market, with exports valued at $610mn, up 26%.
However, regarding the US’s 19% tariff on Thai products, he said to navigate potential structural changes in exports, Thai entrepreneurs should focus on enhancing product quality, increasing the use of local ingredients, creating health-focused innovative products, building a strong brand image and improving standards through research and development.