Meat importers warn that the local industry will not be able to plug the gap left by the ban.
“South Africa must follow its own fiscal policies rather than the US Federal Reserve.” – Ricardo Smith, Absa chief investment officer.
South Africa is growing its lead over rival Chile since surpassing it in 2023.
One respondent described the situation as an existential threat to the viability of their business.
Trade has been suspended to prevent the spread of avian flu that the country is currently battling.
Recent reports indicated that Tanzanian was considering restrictions on South African imports.
Total deliveries last Friday were 1.5 million tonnes – a 10% increase on the same period last year.
The newly imposed tariffs, effective immediately, vary significantly by region and company.
Growers have forecast a 3.6% rise in volumes for the 2025 season amid fears of US tariff hikes.
A ban on Brazilian chicken imports will take more than six weeks to be felt – poultry producers.
