This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 11/8/2019

Overview

In 2018, Taiwan’s pet food (dog and cat food) market stayed firm and rallied on import demand, growing by 11 percent to nearly $180 million. Taiwan’s imports of pet food have more than doubled over the past decade, growing from $78 million in 2009 to $180 million in 2018. Thailand (29.37 percent) and the United States (27.77 percent) are the two major suppliers, followed by France (11.97 percent), Canada (8.79 percent) and Australia (6.01 percent).

Official data on local pet food production is not available. Total sales of dog and cat food stood at NT$25 billion ($817 million) in 2018, with double-digit annual growth over the past few years, according to a market survey done by National Taiwan University. It is estimated that local manufacturers account for approximately 30-40 percent of the total pet food market.

Thailand is the number one supplier of pet food by both volume and value. Many low-cost products from Thailand are sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Thailand is also the largest OEM and private label products supplier for several local brands. Mid-priced and premium brands from the United States and Europe have seen growing demand over the past decade, as consumers perceive these products to be of higher quality. Retail prices for premium pet food products can be more than 10 times higher than budget brands.

In 2018, U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Taiwan’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) reached a bilateral agreement that permitted APHIS to inspect and approve new pet food manufacturing and packaging facilities on behalf of Taiwan. If a facility is interested in obtaining or renewing approvals to export dog or cat food to Taiwan, they should visit the APHIS website Taiwan information page or contact the closest Veterinary Services (VS) Service Center to arrange for an inspection. U.S. exporters are also encouraged to pay close attention to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) quarantine status in the United States, as Taiwan requires additional manufacturing processes for pet food products from HPAI infected areas.

Pet Food Market                                                                                                                                     Unit: USD (thousands)
 2016201720182019 (est.)
Total Market SizeNANANANA
Total Local ProductionNANANANA
Total Exports$2,148$2,816$4,683$6,000
Total Imports$141,019$161,536$179,760$182,000
Imports from the U.S.$44,521$48,031$49,912$45,000
Exchange Rate:  USD1     32.28     29.65         30.59       30.86
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources: Directorate General of Customs; Taiwan Ministry of Finance

Leading Sub-Sectors

The growth in Taiwan's pet food market reflects a societal shift in attitudes towards animals as pets. Due to rising incomes and strong western influences, dogs have become a symbol of affluence in Taiwan. Accordingly, industry sources indicate that pet owners are increasingly willing to invest in commercially-produced pet food rather than feeding pets table scraps.

Opportunities

Long-term prospects for U.S. pet food exports to Taiwan will see tightening competition. The advantage for U.S. pet food brands is that they are viewed by consumers as being high-quality, offsetting their higher prices.
A major segment of the Taiwan pet food market is food products for aging pets. According to ATO Taipei’s market survey, pet foods with special diet control for senior dogs and cats occupy over 25 percent of shelf space in retail stores and listings on e-commerce websites.

Besides dried and wet pet food, pet treats are one of the fastest-growing segments in pet retail stores. Shelf space for pet treats has expanded significantly in both specialty pet stores and regular retail stores. According to major Taiwan pet food distributors, approximately 20 percent of total pet food sales are transacted through B2C e-commerce platforms. This is driven by consumer convenience, as door-to-door delivery is an appealing alternative to handling heavy packages of pet food and cat litter.

Web Resources

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) website offers the following resources for U.S. exporters: For additional information on the Taiwan market for food and agricultural products or to exhibit in the USA Pavilion at the Taipei International Food Show or to participate in the Taipei Aqua-Pets Show please contact AIT's Agricultural Trade Office at: ATOTaipei@fas.usda.gov

 

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