SOUTH AFRICA – British poultry will soon return to South African tables after an eight-year ban on UK poultry imports was lifted.
This breakthrough is expected to generate up to £160 (US$208) million for the UK poultry industry over the next five years, marking a major boost for agricultural trade between the two countries.
The ban, initially imposed due to avian influenza outbreaks in the UK, was lifted following the country’s recent declaration of being free from the disease.
The lifting of the ban is the result of dedicated efforts by both the UK and South African governments to restore trade in poultry products.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner played a pivotal role in finalizing the agreement, meeting with South Africa’s Agriculture Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa and Trade Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield to secure the deal.
According to Zeichner, the agreement is a win for UK poultry traders and a strategic move that strengthens economic ties between the two nations.
“This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders but grants a new avenue to grow the UK economy,” Zeichner said. “We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience, and kick-starting our food exports.”
South Africa has historically been a key market for British poultry. In 2016, before the ban, UK poultry exports to South Africa were valued at over £37 (US$48) million, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The avian influenza outbreak suspended these imports, damaging a highly profitable trading relationship.
Despite the challenges, teams from both nations have worked tirelessly over the past several years to resolve technical and health-related trade barriers.
This resumption of trade brings welcome news for UK poultry producers and farmers. The reopening of the South African market presents a lucrative export opportunity that will help bolster the UK poultry industry’s resilience, especially as it faces growing pressures domestically.
For South African consumers, the deal means the return of high-quality British poultry products absent from local markets for nearly a decade.
The British poultry industry has responded with enthusiasm to the news. Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, described the development as “fantastic news” for the industry, noting the importance of South Africa as a crucial market before the ban.
Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, also welcomed the move, emphasising trade’s vital role in ensuring domestic and global food security.
“That trade of British poultry can resume with South Africa following the lifting of the avian influenza ban is a great example of government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers,” said Griffiths. “Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.”
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