Do you have pets? Then this information is for you. Bark, the pet supply store, is considering raising its prices due to the impact of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. If you’re a customer of this store, here’s what you need to know about which products might see a price increase.
When will Bark raise its prices?
So far, the company has not specified when it will begin adjusting product prices; however, it did reveal that it will take some measures to counteract the effects of the tariffs. One of these measures includes relocating part of its production to other countries, which will happen in the coming weeks. The company also stated it will begin shipping products from new regions for the holiday quarter and will start diversifying its toy production by the end of 2026.
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Which Bark products will increase in price?
According to Bark, the most affected products will be pet toys, as they account for about two-thirds of the company’s revenue and are currently imported from China—the country facing the highest tariffs. The company reported that some toys could be subject to tariffs as high as 80%, making price adjustments necessary.
History of Bark
Bark was founded in 2011 by Carly Strife, Matt Meeker, and Henrik Werdelin, and is headquartered in New York. It has established itself as one of the most committed companies to canine well-being worldwide. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to make all dogs happy by offering high-quality products, services, and content.
Thanks to deep data-driven insights into each dog’s individual needs and preferences, the Bark team develops customized toys based on play style, tasty treats, breed-specific foods, practical dental care solutions, and experiences designed to promote both the health and happiness of dogs. Every product is designed to meet the specific needs of each pet, reaffirming the company’s commitment to a better, fuller life for dogs around the world.
What are tariffs?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. These tariffs benefit locally made products by giving them a competitive price advantage over similar imported goods. They also serve as a source of revenue for governments.
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Why did Trump impose tariffs?
President Donald Trump has stated that tariffs are a key part of his economic strategy, aiming to promote manufacturing in the United States, protect jobs, increase tax revenue, and stimulate economic growth.
Trump seeks to revitalize and rebuild the U.S. manufacturing industry, which has lost many jobs over the past 40 years, largely due to the offshoring of labor to lower-wage countries like Mexico or China. Additionally, the president believes that the U.S. faces a significant trade deficit and that other countries are taking advantage by selling their products to American consumers.
Why are the United States and China in a tariff war?
It all began on February 1, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on all imports from China, as well as the elimination of the de minimis exemption, which had allowed the Asian country to make certain tax-free imports.
Later, on April 2, Trump ordered a 10% tariff on imports from all countries. Two days after that, China responded by imposing a reciprocal 34% tariff on all U.S. imports.
That was just the beginning. On April 8, Donald Trump increased the tariff on Chinese goods to 84% and reiterated his plan to eliminate the de minimis exemption on May 2. China did not remain idle—it then announced an 84% tariff on U.S. imports. The Trump administration responded by raising its tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, and China matched the figure with its own 125% tariff on U.S. products.
