Photo by Lance Cheung via USDA
The volume of U.S. animal food exports increased by 120% between 2022 and 2023, while the value rose by 79%. That’s according to the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA’s) latest annual report. Our Industry, Our Promise outlines the state of the industry and how AFIA is addressing challenges and opportunities for its members, from domestic supply chain and state legislative issues to feed and food safety and sustainability.
In 2023, the U.S. animal food sector recorded an estimated $13.4 billion in export sales, including nearly $900 million in exports to the UK and EU. The top exports by value were corn co-products ($4B), followed by pet food ($2.4B), and animal feed preparations ($2.2B). Total export volume rose to 19.8 MMT (million metric tons), or 9,800,000,000 Kg, between 2022 and 2023.
AFIA’s annual report also highlights the industry’s progress in sustainability, which Constance Cullman, president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association, describes as “part of our industry’s culture and future”. She said, “The AFIA’s work on sustainability continues to gain momentum with the development of policy priorities that emphasize animal nutrition in environmental solutions while balancing food security needs. The association is leading efforts to shape sustainability agendas and dialogues at international forums on climate change and through international standard-setting, all while supporting members on their sustainability journeys.”
AFIA’s other achievements in the past year include developing strategies to reduce supply chain risk, tackling false claims about the industry, advancing safety, and advocating for sound global policies.