Thai pet food exports reach $3.28 billion, second globally
Germany leads with a 12.1% share of world exports against Thailand's 10.2%, and the United States takes 30% of Thai shipments.
Thailand sold 3.28 billion US dollars of pet food abroad in 2025, up 8.15% on 2024's 3.03 billion dollars, and kept its place as the world's second-largest exporter, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) of the Commerce Ministry, reported by The Nation. In baht the figure is 107.47 billion. The only country ahead is Germany.
The numbers
Thailand holds 10.2% of world pet food exports, against Germany's 12.1%. From January to May 2026 shipments reached 1.43 billion dollars (44.85 billion baht), up 5.15% from a year earlier. Growth is slower than the 2025 pace. The Thai Chamber of Commerce's food export report noted that buyer stockpiling lifted long-shelf-life goods such as pet food in 2025 while short-life products fell.
The five biggest buyers in January to May 2026 were:
- United States: 430.84 million dollars, 30.22% of the total.
- Japan: 157.85 million dollars, 11.07%.
- Australia: 76.55 million dollars, 5.37%.
- Italy: 72.63 million dollars, 5.09%.
- Germany: 65.72 million dollars, 4.61%.
The fastest growth is outside the top two. France rose 101.46%, New Zealand 36.69%, the United Kingdom 36.01%, Germany 32.25%, Australia 25.71%, India 19.08% and Japan 12.14%. Malaysia grew 9.12%.
What buyers want
TPSO director-general Nantapong Chiralerspong described demand as a "Healthy Pet, Affordable Premium" trend: owners want health benefits but check prices as inflation bites. The segments growing fastest are high-protein foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, immune-boosting products, senior-pet diets and specialised cat nutrition. TPSO advises exporters to spend on research and traceability, source ingredients locally, hold their core markets in North America, Australasia and Western Europe, and add emerging ones such as India, ASEAN, the Middle East and secondary Asian cities.
Who is investing
GlobalPETS reported in September that Nestlé is putting more than 157 million Swiss francs into its Rayong plant, about 180 km south of Bangkok. The expansion adds two lines to the existing three, covering Purina brands including Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan and Purina ONE for domestic demand and for export to Asia, Oceania and Africa. The new lines are expected to run in 2028, and the plant will use more locally sourced poultry, fish and vegetables.
Betagro, the agro-industrial group, says its pet business sold 2.7 billion baht in 2025, up 25%: domestic sales rose 18% and exports 43%. Chief operating officer Somcharn Suphapitiporn said premium products are 45% of its pet business in 2026 and should reach 54% by 2028. The group targets 5.6 billion baht in sales over the next three years. It sells to Japan, the Philippines and Malaysia today and is entering Bahrain, the UAE, Brunei, Hong Kong and South Korea under brands including Perfecta, DOG n joy and CAT n joy.
The risk
The United States is 30% of the business, so any change in its tariffs or stocks matters more than growth elsewhere. The Chamber's own caution is that tariff effects will show more clearly if stockpiling stops. Diversification is under way, but the US and Japan together still take about 41% of the total.
What to watch
Full-year 2026 trade data will show whether the 5.15% growth of the first five months held. The Nestlé lines are not due until 2028.
FAQ
How much pet food does Thailand export?
3.28 billion US dollars in 2025, up 8.15%, and 1.43 billion dollars in January to May 2026.
Which country exports more pet food than Thailand?
Germany, with a 12.1% share of world exports, against Thailand's 10.2%.
Who buys Thai pet food?
The United States (30.22% of January to May 2026 value), Japan, Australia, Italy and Germany are the top five. France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are growing fastest.
