South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced revised import health requirements for pet food products, effective immediately. These new regulations establish a framework for approving U.S. pet food products containing ruminant ingredients, lifting a ban that had been in place since 2003. Pet food products that have been exported to South Korea within the past year may continue using their existing health certificates until December 31, 2025. However, new products or those not imported into South Korea within the last year must comply with the updated requirements.
This development is significant for U.S. pet food manufacturers, as South Korea represents a growing market. In 2022, South Korea imported $347 million in pet food products, a 45% increase from $239 million in 2018. While China holds a 30% share of South Korea’s pet food import market, the United States follows with a 21% share, and Thailand accounts for 13%.
The rise in pet ownership in South Korea, particularly among urban residents and single-person households, has contributed to this market expansion. The cat population grew by 4% in 2023, while the dog population has seen a steady annual growth rate of up to 3% since 2019. This trend indicates a robust demand for high-quality pet food products.
The updated import health requirements are expected to facilitate increased trade between U.S. pet food producers and South Korea, offering new opportunities for American companies to meet the nutritional needs of South Korean pets.
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