Thailand’s pet food industry has experienced significant disruption as US tariffs introduced during the Trump administration imposed hefty costs on exports. Manufacturers, many relying heavily on the US market, have been forced to reevaluate their pricing models and supply chains. These tariffs, aimed at curbing trade imbalances, inadvertently exposed Thailand’s dependence on limited supply routes and materials, leading to production delays and increased costs. Key raw ingredients, often sourced internationally, saw price surges, underscoring vulnerabilities that industry leaders had previously underestimated.

Industry-wide challenges include:

  • Rising import expenses for essential ingredients like fishmeal and rice protein.
  • Increased lead times due to disrupted shipping schedules.
  • Strained relationships with US distributors facing higher customs…