The United States government has asked the South African government to challenge an attempt by South African poultry producers to once again block U.S. imports of those products into South Africa.
Restrictions that had blocked the import of U.S. poultry for many years were only lifted earlier this year after protracted negotiations between the two governments. The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) have gone to court seeking orders that would block the imports again.
Lifting the long restrictions on U.S. chicken imports was the main condition for South Africa to continue enjoying duty-free access to the United States for key exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Last week, James Sumner, president of the US Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) said if the South African poultry producers won their court cases and U.S. poultry and pork imports were again blocked, “it probably would – and should – trigger another out-of-cycle review under AGOA.”
