As of this month, the Export Health Certificate (EHC) 1638, which pertains to poultry meat and meat products destined for South Korea, has officially reopened. Consequently, businesses are now invited to apply online for the export of their poultry meat products to South Korea.
In response to this positive development, Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) spokesman Tony Goodger remarked: “It is great that, as a result of the UK being declared free from Avian Influenza earlier this year, UK trade negotiators have been able to successfully re-open this high value market.”
The reopening of South Korea’s borders to UK poultry coincides with an earlier announcement this week, which noted that UK traders can now export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years.
Antigua Opportunity
Furthermore, Goodger highlighted, “In addition to South Africa and South Korea reopening Export Health Certificate (EHC) 1805, ‘Export fresh poultry meat to Antigua’ has also returned to ‘active’ status, having been placed on hold due to a Caribbean ban in March 2021.”
Goodger added, “I have been in regular contact with the Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA) on behalf of AIMS members concerning UK EHCs being ‘on hold’ or trade barriers. My aim is to understand what must be done to facilitate access for AIMS members and other exporters to these markets.”
AIMS expresses hope that the recent trend of opening markets for UK poultry traders will extend to Saudi Arabia, a key market that has been restricted since October 2020. However, the APHA’s Centre for International Trade has indicated that a resolution is not imminent.
Goodger speculated, “I can only speculate, but the recent announcement from The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company regarding its double-digit stakes in the world’s third and seventh largest poultry producers—having taken a 12.6% stake in Ukrainian business MHP—may imply that UK poultry producers will face delays before accessing this valuable Middle Eastern market.”
South African Trade Mission
Meanwhile, six UK export businesses participated in a five-day mission to South Africa organized by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). This initiative aims to assist in meeting the increasing demand for red meat in the country.
In the first half of this year, the UK exported 2,772 tonnes of beef worth £2.4 million to South Africa, reflecting a 50% increase in volume and a 27% increase in value compared to last year. Additionally, 3,167 tonnes of pig meat, valued at £5.4 million, were exported—a 34% increase in volume and a 52% increase in value during the same period.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB head of international trade development, stated: “South Africa presents a number of opportunities for UK exports of beef and pork, and the figures for the first half of this year are encouraging.”
He continued, “This mission highlights our ongoing commitment to support exporters in developing global opportunities for red meat exports across a broad portfolio of international markets. It also serves as a platform to enhance the UK’s reputation as a supplier of high-quality red meat and variety meat.”
