South African poultry producers are challenging the Namibian government’s import restrictions which they claim are against international trade law standards.
According to a report by the online news site, StarAfrica, the Namibian government is heading to court to defend its decision. In April 2013, former trade and industry minister, Calle Schlettwein, announced the decision to restrict imports to 600 tonnes per month. This was reportedly increased to 900 tonnes monthly in 2014.
South African importers are arguing that Namibia’s sole chicken factory – Namib Poultry – is unable to meet the country’s demand.
“I am not sure exactly how far the proceedings have gone and when the court hearings are, but what I know is that the process is ongoing, it has not been finalised yet. We are still busy with proceedings,” Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Namibia’s minister of industrialisation, trade and SME development was quoted by Namibian daily newspaper, The Villager, as saying.
The case was first heard in the Windhoek High Court in November 2014 where a decision was not reached.
SA chicken producers gear up for court battle on import restrictions
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