Thailand Targets $5B Pet Food Exports by 2030: China OEM Competition

# Thailand Targets $5B Pet Food Exports by 2030: China OEM Competition

On November 4, 2026, Thai Times reported: Thailand's annual pet food exports are approaching $3 billion, targeting $5 billion by 2030, consolidating its position as the world's second-largest pet food exporter (after Germany). Thailand is accelerating as Asia's pet food manufacturing hub.

Thailand's Pet Food Export Footing

| Metric | Data |

|---|---|

| Global export rank | #2 (after Germany) |

| Current annual exports | ~$3 billion |

| 2030 target | $5 billion |

| EU export growth (2024 vs 2023) | +47% ($349.58M) |

| Key EU markets | Italy, France, Germany |

Thailand's core advantages:

• **Wet food/can strength**: one of the world's largest pet can exporters;
• **Foreign capacity**: Mars, Nestlé, Purina have large plants in Thailand;
• **Raw material**: Southeast Asian fishmeal and chicken supply chain mature;
• **FTAs**: EU, Japan, China trade agreements, tariff advantages.

China Pet Food Export Comparison

Per MOFCOM's 2026 Export Technical Guide:

• 2024: export volume +27%, value +14% (key growth year);
• 2025: volume -1%, value -2%, first decline;
• China exports dominated by treats (chews, jerky), low dry/wet food share.

| Comparison | Thailand | China |

|---|---|---|

| Export mix | Wet food/cans | Treats |

| Key markets | EU, Japan, US | US, Japan, SEA |

| Brand customers | Mars/Nestlé/Purina captive | Heavy OEM contract manufacturing |

| 2030 target | $5B | Not specified |

What Thailand's Expansion Means for Chinese OEMs

1. Wet Food Competition Heats Up

Thailand has tuna raw material and foreign capacity advantages in wet food cans. Chinese OEMs targeting wet food exports face Thailand's mature cost and compliance system.

2. China Still Leads in Treats

Chinese pet treat exports (chews, jerky, freeze-dried) have cost and customization advantages. Thailand's treat capacity is limited.

3. Southeast Asia Local Market Integration

At Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2026 (Nov 3), Korea aT achieved $4.46M in export consultations. Southeast Asia is the next growth battleground for both China and Thailand.

How Chinese OEMs Should Respond

Strategy 1: Differentiate Categories

Avoid Thailand's wet food strength, focus on:

• Freeze-dried treats (Chinese cost advantage);
• Steamed fresh / baked new-process food;
• Functional soft chews.

Strategy 2: Partner with Southeast Asian Brands

Thailand is a manufacturing hub, but local brands in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia are emerging. Chinese OEMs can contract-manufacture for these brands, competing indirectly.

Strategy 3: Leverage China's Supply Chain

China has complete supply chain for packaging, ingredients, and freeze-drying equipment. Thai factories source Chinese packaging and ingredients — Chinese OEMs can convert this supply chain advantage into cost advantage.

Bottom Line

Thailand's $5B target is not a threat — it is a reminder: Asian pet food manufacturing is stratifying. Thailand does wet food cans for major brands; China does treats and new-process differentiation. Chinese OEMs should pick the right category, not compete head-on in Thailand's strength.

For brands exploring freeze-dried, steamed fresh, or functional treat export OEM, **Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM** in Guangzhou can help with category selection and cost comparison.

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FAQ

**Q: Is Thailand ahead of China in pet food exports?**

A: Thailand is stronger in wet food cans; China has cost advantages in treats. Each has its category.

**Q: Why did China's pet food exports decline in 2025?**

A: Largely US market destocking and tariffs; emerging markets (SEA, Middle East) are filling in.

**Q: What category should Chinese OEMs export?**

A: Freeze-dried treats, functional soft chews, steamed/baked new-process food — avoid Thailand's can strength.