South African red meat producers concerned about market spillover effects of Trump tariffs

AGRICULTURAL associations have remained concerned about the possible impact of tariff increases announced by US President Donald Trump, which could possibly reach as high as 31% for South Africa.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that the full scope of the tariff increase was unclear at the moment.

Deon Olivier, the CEO at RMIS, said that South Africa's preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) is cause for concern across the agricultural sector, including red meat.

“However, it is important to note that South Africa does not currently export significant volumes of red meat to the United States, due in large part to existing technical trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations,” he said.

Olivier added that the greater concern from the RMIS perspective lied in potential market spillover effects.