SAFLA, AMIE SA join forces to tackle meat trade logistics challenges in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) and the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of South Africa (AMIE SA) have entered into a memorandum of cooperation to address logistical and regulatory obstacles affecting the country’s meat imports and exports.

Under the agreement, the associations will work on practical measures covering cargo movement, supply chain operations, port performance and access to international markets.

SAFLA vice chairman Jonathan McDonald said closer cooperation would allow the two organisations to present coordinated proposals to government departments and other agencies responsible for trade and logistics.

He said problems affecting cargo movement, costs and reliability require industry representatives to provide evidence and workable solutions when engaging with public authorities.

AMIE SA CEO Paul Matthew said stronger coordination between government and the private sector was needed to convert available export opportunities into sustained commercial growth.

According to Matthew, South Africa has production capacity and overseas buyers, but trade can be affected by fragmented communication between national and provincial authorities, certification requirements and inspection procedures.

Export growth faces supply chain constraints

The agreement also focuses on the reliability of meat exports, with delays in veterinary approvals and market-access procedures capable of prompting overseas buyers to seek alternative suppliers.

Animal disease outbreaks remain another concern for exporters, making traceability systems, effective controls and internationally recognised regionalisation measures important to maintaining access to foreign markets.

Matthew said exports and domestic affordability should not be treated as competing priorities because overseas sales allow producers to generate value from different cuts of an animal, helping improve the use of entire carcasses.

The associations said food safety and regulatory compliance would remain essential, while administrative delays that can be avoided should not unnecessarily restrict trade, employment or consumer access to meat.

AMIE SA estimates that South Africa exported about 81,000 tonnes of beef, sheep and goat meat between 2025 and May 2026, with the shipments valued at approximately US$3.9 billion based on the August 11 exchange rate.

The wider freight-forwarding industry generated an estimated US$5 billion in revenue in 2025 and handles more than 80% of South Africa’s international trade, according to the associations.

Port operations remain a concern

McDonald said meat shipments depend on functioning logistics networks, predictable inspections, efficient cargo release, veterinary controls and dependable access to overseas markets.

Recent improvements to infrastructure and equipment at the Port of Durban have eased some pressure, but operators continue to encounter challenges involving refrigerated cargo capacity, container handling, inspection coordination and the release of consignments.

SAFLA and AMIE SA said their joint engagement would focus on turning repeated operational problems into coordinated measures involving industry and government.

The associations said they would continue working with relevant authorities to address supply chain weaknesses and improve the movement of meat through South Africa’s trade infrastructure.

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