Why It Matters

The American Pet Products Association is entering federal lobbying for the first time, hiring Morrissey Strategic Partners LLC to influence tariff policy. This directly targets the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which could grant sweeping presidential tariff authority. Pet manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese imports for critical ingredients, making tariffs an existential concern.

By the Numbers

The American Pet Products Association entered federal lobbying for the first time in 2025, hiring Morrissey Strategic Partners LLC with one registered lobbyist: Raymond Morrissey.

Morrissey brings over a decade of tariff expertise from clients including the Greeting Card Association (tariffs on Chinese imports since 2011), Hallmark Cards Inc. (trade issues since 2013), and the News/Media Alliance.

APPA’s focus is narrowly targeted on "Trade (Domestic & Foreign)" with specific emphasis on "all matters pertaining to tariffs."

The Agenda

APPA hired Morrissey Strategic Partners LLC to lobby on tariff issues. The trade group represents over 1,000 manufacturers, importers, and suppliers who rely heavily on imports, particularly from China. The focus addresses the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which would grant broad presidential tariff authority.

The pet industry faces significant exposure given dependence on Chinese sourcing of critical ingredients like vitamins and amino acids. Major competitors including General Mills and Mars Inc. are already lobbying on identical issues.

Broader Context

Congress is reshaping trade policy amid historically high tariff rates with 10% baseline on all imports and 34% on Chinese goods, while closing the de minimis exemption for packages under $800. These developments threaten APPA members’ business model.

Pet industry inflation jumped to 40% in September 2025, while 52% of pet owners worry tariffs will make pet ownership unaffordable.

However, Congress is advancing bipartisan pet legislation, creating coalition opportunities.

Between The Lines

Congress is grappling with tariff policy as APPA hired its team. The Senate Finance Committee held hearings on trade policy, while H.R. 735, the United States Reciprocal Trade Act would expand presidential tariff authority.

Pet-specific legislation includes the PURR Act for FDA regulatory reform and the bipartisan BARK Act for pet food donation protections.

Competitive Landscape

General Mills spent $498,000 in the second quaqrter 2025 and $331,000 in the third quarter 2025 targeting "duties and tariffs on food ingredients." Mars Inc. actively lobbies on "proposed tariffs," while Home Depot spent $1.17 million in Q1 2025 on Section 301 tariffs.

These organizations represent potential coalition allies but could compete for specific exemptions, suggesting APPA entered a crowded space where larger corporations already have established influence.

The Bottom Line

APPA’s hiring of Morrissey Strategic Partners LLC reflects genuine industry pressure amid historically high tariffs and potential expansion of presidential tariff authority through the United States Reciprocal Trade Act. The industry’s reliance on Chinese ingredients creates supply chain vulnerability, while competitors General Mills and Mars Inc. are already spending heavily on tariff advocacy. The volatile tariff landscape makes sustained federal engagement a practical necessity.

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