Pet Food Market Update 2026 - China
Report Number: CH2026-0046 Date: April 14, 2026 Country: China Prepared By: USDA FAS Foreign Agricultural Service Source: [USDA GAIN Report](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Pet+Food+Market+Update+2026_Shanghai+ATO_China+-+People%27s+Republic+of_CH2026-0046.pdf)
Report Highlights
Voluntary Report – Voluntary - Public Distribution
Date: April 14, 2026 Report Number: CH2026-0046
Report Name: Pet Food Market Update 2026 Country: China - People's Republic of Post: Shanghai ATO Report Category: Market Development Reports, Market Promotion/Competition, Product Brief, Promotion Opportunities, Grain and Feed
Prepared By: Ted Shibata and ATO Shanghai staff
Approved By: Alexander Blamberg
Report Highlights: China’s pet industry reached $43.4 billion in 2025, largely driven by the growth in per-pet spending and reflecting a shift from volume-driven to value-driven expansion. Younger consumers are shaping market trends with higher expectations for functionality, nutrition, and digital engagement, while online channels continue to support growth for both domestic and imported products. Offline retail remains resilient in core cities. Meanwhile, niche and exotic pets are becoming increasingly popular, highlighting the diversity of pet ownership and specialized consumption needs.
THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY
China’s Pet Market Overview In 2025, China’s pet industry emerged as one of the few sectors in China to grow despite a broader consumption slowdown. While overall consumer spending faced pressure due to economic uncertainty and cautious household budgets, spending on pets continued to rise, highlighting the industry’s strong resilience and counter-cyclical potential. This growth is driven by diverse segments, including pet food, supplies, healthcare, grooming, and specialty services, reflecting both essential and emotionally driven demand. China’s pet market represents a relatively stable and high-potential track within the consumer sector, offering opportunities even in a challenging macroeconomic environment.
- Market Growth Slows but Value Growth Continues
China’s urban dog and cat market reached approximately $43.4 billion
Source
USDA GAIN (Global Agricultural Information Network) Original source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
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*Last updated: 2026-07-18*