Thailand has risen to become the world’s second-largest exporter of pet food, with shipments reaching US$2.68 billion in 2024, a 29% year-on-year increase, according to the Commerce Ministry.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said Thai exports accounted for 10% of the global total last year, reflecting the country’s growing presence in the international market.
Germany maintained its position as the world’s top exporter, generating $3.28 billion in sales, or 12.3% of the global share. Other leading exporters included the United States with $2.52 billion (9.4%), Poland with $2.41 billion (9%), and France with $2.31 billion (8.6%).
Global demand for pet food remained strong, with imports valued at $26.5 billion in 2024. Germany, the US, the UK, Poland, and Canada ranked as the top import markets.
Poonpong said Thailand’s competitiveness in the dog and cat food sector remains solid, with potential for further growth thanks to its strong reputation for quality and production standards.
The United States was the largest buyer of Thai dog and cat food last year, with imports worth $868 million, up 47% year-on-year and accounting for 32.4% of total exports.
Japan followed with $329 million, while exports to Australia, Italy, and Malaysia were valued at $167 million, $165 million, and \$138 million, respectively.
Together, these five markets represented 62.3% of Thailand’s total pet food exports in 2024.
Poonpong attributed the market’s growth to rising global pet ownership and demographic shifts, including ageing populations and smaller household sizes.
He added that consumers are increasingly turning to imported pet products, particularly those focusing on health and nutrition.
He said Thai producers that innovate multifunctional products, such as vitamin-enriched pet food tailored for young, sick, or elderly animals, are well-positioned to capitalise on this demand.
Poonpong also urged manufacturers to pay attention to sustainability, especially in packaging, noting that aligning with green trends could open doors to both established markets such as Europe, the US, Japan, and China, as well as new ones in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In the first seven months of 2025, Thailand’s dog and cat food exports totalled $1.69 billion, up 10.7% from the same period a year earlier.
The US remained the country’s largest market, with exports valued at $610 million, up 26%. However, Thailand faces challenges from new US trade measures, including a 19% reciprocal tariff on Thai products.
To navigate these hurdles, Poonpong advised businesses to improve product quality, increase reliance on local ingredients, develop health-focused innovations, strengthen brand image, and raise industry standards through research and development.
