PFI secures US$725,000 to expand global market access for U.S. pet food

USA – Pet Food Institute (PFI) has secured US$725,000 in funding under the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) to support the expansion of U.S. pet food exports and strengthen access to international markets.

The funding, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture, is part of a broader trade strategy led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg to boost export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. 

The AFTPP complements existing export support mechanisms such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), both of which PFI already participates in.

PFI said the funding will be used to drive market development activities that promote U.S. pet food in key global regions, helping to diversify export destinations and strengthen demand. 

The organisation represents manufacturers responsible for the majority of dog and cat food produced in the U.S., a sector that generates more than US$65 billion in domestic sales and over US$2.4 billion in annual exports.

“PFI is proud to continue to expand its global engagement and build new opportunities for U.S. pet food through this AFTPP funding,” said Nat Davies, vice president of business operations and programs at PFI. 

“This investment will allow us to showcase the innovation and quality of U.S. pet food in key markets and continue driving growth that benefits pets, pet owners, and the entire U.S. agricultural supply chain.”

The announcement builds on earlier funding secured by PFI in 2026, when the institute received US$1.35 million through the USDA’s MAP administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service. 

That funding supports ongoing international promotion efforts and will be detailed separately.

The new AFTPP allocation reflects growing emphasis on export-led growth in the U.S. pet food sector, particularly as global demand rises for premium, safe and nutritionally balanced pet products. 

Industry stakeholders increasingly view emerging markets as a key growth frontier, supported by rising pet ownership and evolving consumer preferences.

MAP supports long-term export growth

Through MAP, PFI has played a central role in building international demand for U.S. pet food by supporting promotional campaigns, trade missions, and technical engagement with regulators in target markets.

Activities typically include participation in international trade shows, in-market retail promotions, and educational initiatives to improve understanding of U.S. production standards and nutritional quality. 

These efforts help address trade barriers, build brand recognition, and support regulatory alignment in markets with evolving pet food frameworks.

PFI’s MAP-supported initiatives have contributed to sustained export growth over the past decade, helping U.S. manufacturers expand into regions across Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. 

By strengthening relationships with importers, distributors and policymakers, the programme supports both immediate sales opportunities and long-term market development.

With continued support from USDA programmes, PFI is positioning the U.S. pet food industry to capitalise on global demand while reinforcing supply chain linkages with domestic agriculture, including sourcing of grains, meat and other key inputs from American farmers and ranchers.

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