WASHINGTON, DC – The Pet Food Institute (PFI) congratulates Katherine Tai on her confirmation as the new United States Trade Representative (USTR). As the highest-ranking U.S. trade official, Ambassador Tai will lead an agency responsible for recommending and developing national trade policy to the president of the United States.
“PFI applauds both Ambassador Tai’s appointment and confirmation as the fourth woman to lead this critical agency,” said PFI President and CEO Dana Brooks. “Our members, who make safe dog and cat food for beloved pets both domestically and abroad, rely on USTR to formulate and execute trade policy that allows them to establish and expand their presence in key foreign markets. We are excited that Ambassador Tai is bringing her wealth of trade policy experience to USTR, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role.”
PFI’s 22 producer members, who make the vast majority of all dog and cat food in the United States, help feed America’s 180 million pets and millions more around the world. Pet food exports reached $1.7 billion in 2020, with Canada, Japan and Mexico representing the three largest markets. The increased export of pet food products also supports America’s agricultural economy. A 2020 study conducted by PFI, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the North American Renderers Association (NARA) found that U.S. pet food makers use 8.5 million tons of animal- and plant-derived ingredients valued at nearly $7 billion.