South Africa’s poultry sector grapples with import limits, export ambitions
Industry divided as producers push for trade protection while demanding export support
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s poultry industry is sending conflicting signals as it presses the government to curb chicken imports from the United States while complaining about slow progress in export development promised under the Poultry Master Plan.
At the centre of the dispute is the 72,000-tonne import quota granted to US poultry exporters, which allows them to ship bone-in chicken to South Africa without paying anti-dumping duties.
Local producers argue that the quota undermines domestic output by enabling cheaper US products into the market, while the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) insists the agreement should end, particularly if the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) lapses.
However, recent figures suggest the quota is hardly being used, raising questions about the real scale of the threat.
In 2024, South Africa imported only 11,350 tonnes of bone-in chicken from the US, and between January and August 2025, imports dropped to just 1,570 tonnes.
Industry analysts say that while US bird flu outbreaks have limited exports, high costs remain the bigger obstacle, as American poultry faces a 62% most-favoured-nation tariff, making it too expensive for South African consumers.
This has led some observers to suggest that SAPA’s push against the quota is less about protecting jobs and more about maintaining dominance, particularly as the Competition Commission investigates potential anti-competitive conduct in the sector.
Export frustrations mount
On the export front, progress has been slow despite limited gains in sending cooked poultry products to markets such as the European Union, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Industry representatives, including SAPA and FairPlay, have accused the government of failing to deliver on the Poultry Master Plan by not advancing new export negotiations or upgrading veterinary certification facilities.
Producers say they have modern processing plants ready to serve foreign markets, but poor coordination and slow certification procedures have stalled expansion.
This tension highlights a policy gap, with the government maintaining high import tariffs while promoting export-driven growth.
Trade experts argue that such protectionist policies contradict the goal of improving competitiveness and limit South Africa’s access to new international markets.
Policy clarity needed
As the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition prepares to launch the second phase of the Poultry Master Plan, questions remain about whether the sector seeks protection or competition.
Analysts say future trade policies should balance consumer affordability with fair competition and regional food security.
For now, South Africa’s poultry sector appears divided, uncertain whether to become a global player or remain a heavily protected domestic supplier.
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