USDA, in collaboration with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), reached agreement with South African officials to allow most US exports of poultry, pork and beef and their products to re-gain access to the South African market, avoiding trade sanctions from the US.

According to USDA, the agreement was reached following US engagement with South African officials over the last year. In recent years, only a limited number of US poultry and meat products have been exported to South Africa, due to unwarranted sanitary requirements by the South African authorities, with most poultry exports blocked for the last 15 years. With this renewed access for US red meat and poultry products, exports to South Africa could generate $75 million of shipments annually, USDA says.

“This is good news for American farmers, ranchers and poultry, pork and beef companies,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We welcome this move by South Africa and will continue our efforts to break down barriers and expand access for high-quality, safe and wholesome US food and agricultural products around the world. With this agreement, South Africa reaffirms the scientific soundness and integrity of the US system for ensuring animal health and food safety, and this will result in high-quality U.S. meat and poultry being available for South African consumers.