The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has criticised Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau for making a “vague” statement about market access for US poultry exports without having first consulted with the local industry.
Tau said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the government was “seeking agricultural market access by simplifying US poultry exports under the 2016 tariff rate quota to unlock approximately $91m in trade”.
He also said it was prepared to achieve 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,” Sapa said on Thursday afternoon.
Sapa said the poultry industry had met with Tau on 16 May when it “expressly requested that he engage with the industry before making any trade commitments”. The association also asked him to instruct National Treasury to implement the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and revoke the US import quota for poultry meat.
The quota was previously 65 000 tonnes and has now been increased to 72 000 tonnes, which allows imports to enter South Africa free of anti-dumping duties.
However, the association said it had not received a response to any of its formal requests submitted for further engagement.
“While South African exporters continue to suffer from limited to no access to the US market, the import quota favouring US exporters for poultry remains in place, delivering one-sided benefits with no clear reciprocity,” Sapa said.
“The industry is left in the dark regarding the content and implications of the reported trade agreement.”
Sapa said, considering the latest developments, the industry was demanding:
- Immediate clarification from Tau on the content and commitments reflected in the 29 July media release.
- The urgent revocation of the US 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 DTIC and calls on the Minister to uphold the principles of transparency and consultation in all trade negotiations that materially affect local sectors,” Sapa said.
