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Reinstatement of Poultry Meat Exports from the UK to South Africa

Reinstatement of Poultry Meat Exports from the UK to South Africa food safety, meat, poultry & seafood, trade Food and Beverage Business

The UK has faced significant barriers to accessing the South African market for several years due to a nationwide ban triggered by avian influenza. Throughout this period, the International Meat Trade Association (IMTA) and various industry stakeholders have persistently advocated for the UK Government to prioritize the reopening of this key market.

During discussions with UK ministers, this market has consistently been emphasized as a critical priority for our exporting members. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the recent news of the lifting of the ban on (uncooked) UK poultrymeat exports.

IMTA has formally contacted Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner, commending the concerted efforts of the Defra Market Access team and the UK agrifood counsellor for the region. Their hard work has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Going forward, it is crucial that they receive the necessary support to further enhance relationships with South African authorities while also exploring opportunities in other significant markets. We appreciate the valuable Q&A session they provided to our members shortly after the ban was lifted.

South Africa’s Poultry Market

In South Africa, the domestic poultrymeat sector was impacted by avian influenza in 2023, yet it has shown signs of recovery over the past year. According to the USDA’s South Africa embassy, chicken meat production is projected to rise by 3% to 1.65 million tons by 2025, driven by a strengthening local sectors. Additionally, consumption is expected to grow by 2% to 1.88 million tons in 2025, fueled by improved consumer spending power and reducing food inflation — a trend observed across the entire food basket.

The IMTA advocates the necessity of maintaining robust domestic production alongside access to reliable import sources and export markets. The USDA’s latest report indicates that imported products play a vital role, with mechanically deboned meat (MDM) accounting for 56% of total poultry imports in 2024. Importantly, such products are not produced in substantial quantities domestically, underscoring the complementary role imports play in South Africa’s supply chain.

However, propelled by an increase in domestic production and higher tariffs on major poultry exporters to South Africa, overall poultrymeat imports are expected to decline by 6% to 300,000 tons by 2025. While Brazil remains the primary supplier of chicken meat to South Africa, the reopening of the UK market as an alternative source is encouraging news for import diversification.

The USDA embassy post also provided insights into South Africa’s ‘Poultry Master Plan Strategy,’ which aims to enhance their exports in the future, potentially including the production of canned chicken for the EU market.

Future Focus

As with any market, the dynamics of imports and exports are crucial for ensuring UK food security. From this perspective, the IMTA expresses concern that the new UK Government has yet to recognize the significance of two-way trade within the meat sector as part of its broader ‘food security’ priority.

In addition to the recent announcements regarding industrial strategies that have largely overlooked the UK food industry, a trade strategy is also expected to be developed. Given that UK agri-food trade is a fundamental aspect of UK commerce and often features prominently in free trade negotiations, it is essential that this matter is rigorously addressed within the upcoming trade strategy.

The reopening of the South African market for poultrymeat illustrates the value of the newly established agri-attaché network, which we anticipate will effectively support UK exports moving forward. Establishing durable relationships with key markets is vital not only for UK exports but also for food security. This network must also consider significant sources of imports into the UK market.

To bolster exports, ongoing ministerial visits to key target and existing supplying markets will be necessary for establishing long-term relationships. Unlike countries with well-established agri-attaché networks such as Denmark, Ireland, and New Zealand, the UK is still developing its own network, which is vital for fostering strong domestic and international connections within the food and drink industry.

Moreover, we await confirmation regarding the future of the UK’s Food & Drink Export Council under the new Government. This council proved beneficial for enhancing cross-government and industry collaboration related to exports and will be vital for addressing trade barriers affecting the food processing technology sector.

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