UK poultry regains access to South Africa market

The trade barrier, put in place over concerns of avian influenza, comes to an end after eight years.

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South Africa has lifted its avian influenza-related ban on poultry from the United Kingdom (U.K.), after a recent meeting between officials from both governments.

U.K. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner met South African ministers, Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week to finalize the deal, which would bring an eight-year ban to an end.

The U.K. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimates that the lifting of this trade restriction could help the domestic poultry industry by as much as GBP160 million (US$209 million) over the next five years.

“This deal not only opens new opportunities for U.K. poultry traders, but grants a new avenue through which to grow the U.K. economy,” Zeichner said in a press release. “We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for U.K. farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.”

DEFRA stated that South African had historically been an important market for U.K. poultry, as South Africa imported more than GBP37 million worth of U.K. poultry in 2016.

The move is being hailed by Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC).

“Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic growth right here in the U.K. Providing half the meat the nation eats every year, plus the breeding stock of 70% of all poultry consumed globally. British Poultry Council members actively contribute to both domestic and global food safety,” said Griffiths.

“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. Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.”

DEFRA said it will work closely with U.K. poultry producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to South Africa.

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