South African poultry industry calls for US$91M import quota removal

SOUTH AFRICA – The South African poultry industry is calling on Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Tau to urgently explain the country’s updated poultry trade arrangement with the United States, following a government announcement on 29 July.

In a media release issued on 30 July, industry representatives said they were caught off guard by the Minister’s remarks, which included a reference to unlocking approximately US$91 million (R1.6 billion) in trade through a simplified poultry export framework from the US.

Local producers say they were not involved in any discussions regarding this development, nor were they informed about any changes to the long-standing import quota system.

The industry claims that despite meeting with Minister Tau on 16 May to raise concerns, no formal communication has been provided since, leaving critical questions unanswered.

During that meeting, poultry sector stakeholders requested that the government consult with them before making further trade commitments that could affect the domestic market.

They also urged the Minister to cancel the US poultry import quota, which was initially capped at 65,000 tonnes but has now reportedly increased to 72,000 tonnes, allowing tariff-free imports amid unresolved dumping allegations.

Industry leaders argue that the current arrangement benefits US exporters while offering no meaningful access for South African poultry into the American market.

The sector maintains that this imbalance is damaging local operations and cannot be defended in the absence of reciprocal trade benefits.

As a result, it is demanding full disclosure of the terms discussed in the 29 July statement and clear details on whether any new agreements were finalised with US officials.

According to the industry, the lack of engagement contradicts prior commitments by the Ministry to ensure that affected sectors are involved in trade negotiations that carry long-term economic implications.

Calls for quota cancellation

The poultry sector insists that without a two-way trade deal, continuing to allow large volumes of tariff-free US poultry imports is unjustified.

It has repeated its call for the immediate suspension of the quota, citing the risk it poses to local production, jobs and competitiveness.

While reaffirming its willingness to engage constructively, the industry is pressuring the government to prioritise local input and transparency before progressing further with any US trade arrangement.

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