Russian Pet Food Exports Grow in the First Half of 2025

Russian pet food producers are strengthening their export position. According to Agroexport, dog and cat food overseas shipments reached more than USD 137 million over the first eight months of 2025, up 16 percent year-on-year. In volume terms, exports exceeded 58 thousand tons between January and August 2025. The dynamics indicate that the domestic market has already formed a sufficient production base, and Russian products are becoming competitive not only within the Eurasian Economic Union but also in new markets across the Middle East and Asia.

Export Geography

Key buyers remain partners within the Eurasian Economic Union. Belarus accounts for 69 percent of export value, Kazakhstan for 17 percent. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan follow with 3–4 percent each.

Russian exports geography is expanding rapidly. In 2024, shipments were established to Iraq, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and in 2025 — to Qatar, Jordan, Brazil, and Bangladesh. Producers note that entering these markets required significant preparation, including halal certification, updated labeling, and restructuring logistics through southern ports and Persian Gulf hubs.

Trade Balance

In 2024, Russia reached a positive trade balance for pet food for the first time, as exports exceeded imports. According to Rosselkhoznadzor, imports of dog and cat food and treats declined by 28 percent in 2024, to 53.3 thousand tons. As a result, domestic manufacturers increased their share in meeting internal demand, while exports became a key contributor to additional growth.

Long-Term Outlook

The export potential of Russian dog and cat food is estimated at more than 150 thousand tons by 2030, with projected revenue of USD 330–350 million. For comparison, in 2022 pet food external shipments reached 121.9 thousand tons valued at USD 192.8 million.

Industry Significance

Pet food growth exports reflects structural shifts across the industry: production localization, higher product quality, and compliance with international GMP+ and HACCP standards. For the Russian pet sector, this signals a transition from a mature domestic market to systematic external expansion.

Experts note that the coming years will determine which brands secure long-term positions abroad. The strongest prospects belong to companies capable of consistently ensuring quality, adapting packaging and formulas, and building effective partnerships with foreign distributors.

Source: finmarket.ru