Press release
The South African poultry industry notes with concern the media release issued by Minister Ebrahim Tau on 29 July 2025, titled “Minister Tau reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to a conclusion on the US trade deal.”
In the statement, Minister Tau refers to:
“Agricultural Market Access by simplifying of U.S. poultry exports under the 2016 tariff rate quota and unlock approximately $91 million in trade. In addition, readiness to open market access for blueberries subject to necessary protocols.”
This reference is vague and leaves the industry with no clear understanding of what was agreed during the reported negotiations with the United States. Despite the significant impact of poultry trade policy on local producers, no consultation with the industry has taken place.
The poultry industry previously met with Minister Tau on 16 May 2025, during which it was expressly requested that:
- The Minister engages with the industry before making any trade commitments.
- The Minister gives instruction to treasury to implement the AGOA agreement and revoke the U.S. import quota for poultry meat — previously 65,000 tonnes and now increased to 72,000 tonnes — which allows imports to enter South Africa free of anti-dumping duties.
To date, the industry has received no response to any of its formal requests submitted for engagement.
While South African exporters continue to suffer from limited to no access to the U.S. market, the import quota favouring U.S. exporters for poultry remains in place, delivering one-sided benefits with no clear reciprocity.
The industry is left in the dark regarding the content and implications of the reported trade agreement.
Considering these developments, the poultry industry:
- Demands immediate clarification from Minister Tau on the content and commitments reflected in the 29 July media release.
- Calls for the urgent revocation of the U.S. poultry import quota, which undermines local producers and is no longer justifiable in the absence of fair-trade terms.
The industry reiterates its readiness to engage constructively with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and calls on the Minister to uphold the principles of transparency and consultation in all trade negotiations that materially affect local sectors.
Relevant Agribook pages include “Poultry and chicken farming.”
Photo: Harry Dona on Pexels
