A review of the effect of tariffs on imported horsemeat prices used in zoo carnivore diets

Citation

Peck R. 2025. A review of the effect of tariffs on imported horsemeat prices used in zoo carnivore diets. In Treiber K, Brooks M, D’amato-Anderson J, Nylander J, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Oklahoma City, OK.

Abstract

Horsemeat-based diets for zoo carnivores have been used for decades in the United States due to their economic accessibility and nutritional profile. Following legislation in 2007, horse slaughterhouses closed in the United States. Zoos in the United States began relying on imported horsemeat from Canada, which have enjoyed a 0-duty tax since 1994 thanks to Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Canada. In March 2025, a 25% tariff was proposed for Canadian imports which would supersede the horsemeat exemption. While the ultimate cost of future tariffs on horsemeat is unknown, the likely impact on the feeding costs for zoo carnivores, was explored at Zoo Miami. Based on discussion with Zoo Miami’s horsemeat product suppliers, a 25% tariff on horsemeat would increase Zoo Miami’s annual horsemeat budget by approximately 13%. Switching to beef as an alternative would increase Zoo Miami’s annual large carnivore product costs by 62%. Based on these findings, additional costs due to tariffs applied to horsemeat are less costly than switching all zoo carnivore diets to beef-based alternatives. Horsemeat purchasers at zoos should discuss potential increases with their CFOs to ensure institutions are aware of potential budget increases.

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