British poultry can once again reach South African tables, after
the UK secured market access estimated to bring up to £160m to
industry over the next five years.
The development will allow UK traders to export poultry to South
Africa for the first time in eight years, after restrictions were
placed on UK imports following outbreaks of avian influenza in
the UK. The UK was declared free from avian influenza earlier
this year.
Lowering this trade barrier has been one of the UK's priorities
for agricultural trade, and its resolution marks
a significant step forward, benefiting South African
consumers with access to high-quality and securely supplied
poultry meat.
Food Security Minister met South African
ministers, Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Deputy
Minister Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week to finalise the
deal. This access will provide further opportunities to grow the
UK economy and strengthen the trading relationship between both
countries.
Minister for Food Security said:
This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry
traders, but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK
economy.
We're one step further on our journey to securing better trade
deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and
kickstarting our food exports.
South Africa has historically been an important market for UK
poultry, with exports of poultry worth over £37 million to South
Africa in 2016. Teams from across government have worked in
combination with their counterparts in South Africa for many
years to regain market access.
International Meat Trade Association CEO Katie Doherty said:
The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is
fantastic news for UK producers and exporters – prior to the ban,
it was a vital market for UK exporters.
It is testament to all the hard work by Defra's market access
team and the agricultural attachés and other officials who have
supported this crucial work over many years, for which we are
very grateful.
British Poultry Council Chief Executive Richard Griffiths said:
Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic
growth right here in the UK. 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 security.
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.
Thank you to the Defra market access team and all Government
officials and industry representatives involved for their support
and engagement throughout this process. We look forward to
continuing our work together to build, maintain and enhance
trading relationships - both existing and new!
Defra will work closely with UK poultry producers and traders, as
well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of
their goods to South Africa.
This development follows recent success in securing new beetroot exports to
the US.
