South Africa resumes beef export to China amid growing bilateral ties

SOUTH AFRICA – Chinese customs and agricultural authorities have resumed imports of beef from South Africa in areas that are free of foot-and-mouth disease, following close cooperation between authorities of the two countries to address relevant issues.

The move underscored the continuously improving China-South Africa ties and will help further boost bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

According to a statement from the General Administration of Customs (GAC), imports of South African beef and other related products were suspended after the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa.

“South Africa since then has actively taken multiple epidemic prevention measures, and the supervision departments of the two countries have been working closely,” the statement said.

“After scientific assessment and technical consultation, China recognizes South Africa’s ant-epidemic system in accordance with law, and formally lifted the ban.”

GAC added that the move will bring more meat choices to Chinese consumers, and provide a huge opportunity for South African beef exporters in one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing markets.

In 2022 alone, China imported US$17.76 billion worth of beef, up 42.19% year-on-year.

The moves also come amid booming trade and economic relations between China and South Africa, which are expected to elevate further with the Chinese top leader’s state visit to South Africa.

Meanwhile, according to the South African Agricultural Business Chamber, South African beef exports have not shown significant signs to collapse despite the foot-and-mouth disease livestock challenge.

Agbiz’s chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, said some markets remained open, although with strict controls that were laid in the sector.

According to data from Trade Map, South Africa’s beef exports for last year amounted to 28 422 tons down 12% from 2021.

“This is only mildly below the ten-year average. Fresh beef accounted for 54% of overall exports, while the balance was frozen beef,” Sihlobo said.

“Within this total figure, a significant decline was recorded in frozen beef exports, which were 12 945 tons in 2022, down 24% year-on-year. Meanwhile, fresh beef exports increased by 2% year-on-year to 15 477 tons.”

Sihlobo noted that the re-opening of the Chinese beef market and the firm establishment of beef access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the past week were positive developments.

These positive developments provided some relief as the South African beef industry has faced a challenging operational environment for several reasons.

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