US trade terms, Agoa uncertainty threaten South Africa's poultry industry – experts warn

INDUSTRY leaders have warned that South Africa’s poultry sector faces mounting pressure from unfair US trade advantages, uncertainty around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), and anti-dumping exemptions that undermine local producers.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

These concerns were raised during a webinar hosted by the FairPlay Movement on Tuesday, where stakeholders discussed the implications of US trade policies, avian influenza regulations, and the future of South Africa’s poultry industry.

Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), said it was concerning that the US continues to export chicken to South Africa without paying anti-dumping duties, despite the country losing its Agoa benefits.

“That is actually and effectively allowing for dumping of chicken in South Africa. That agreement was reached during the Agoa negotiations of 2015,” Breitenbach said.