SA poultry sector calls for tariff clarity and calls for urgent revocation of US import quota

The South African poultry industry on Thursday called for clarity around South Africa's trade deal with the United States and calls for the urgent revocation of US poultry import quota. 

The SA Poultry Association (Sapa) said it notes with concern the media release issued by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau on July 292025, titled “Minister Tau reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to a conclusion on the US trade deal.”

It said in the statement, Minister Tau refers to:“Agricultural Market Access by simplifying of US poultry exports under the 2016 tariff rate quota and unlock approximately $91 million in trade. In addition, readiness to open market access for blueberries subject to necessary protocols.”

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on Tuesday said negotiations remained the best tool to deal with the issues that are on the table. 

Tau said the government remained committed to the cause as it awaited substantive feedback from the US counterparts on the final status on its Framework deal. 

“The intersection of geopolitical, domestic and trade issues best defines the current impasse between South Africa and the United States, and a reset is unavoidable,” Tau said.

Sapa said the reference to poultry exports by Tau is vague and leaves the industry with no clear understanding of what was agreed during the reported negotiations with the United States.

"Despite the significant impact of poultry trade policy on local producers, no consultation with the industry has taken place," it said, adding that the poultry industry previously met with Tau on May 16, 2025, during which it was expressly requested that the Minister engages with the industry before making any trade commitments.

It was also requested that the Minister gives instruction to treasury to implement the AGOA agreement and revoke the US import quota for poultry meat — previously 65 000 tonnes and now increased to 72 000 tonnes — which allows imports to enter South Africa free of anti-dumping duties.

Sapa said to date, the industry has received no response to any of its formal requests submitted for engagement.

"While South African exporters continue to suffer from limited to no access to the US market, the import quota favouring US exporters for poultry remains in place, delivering one-sided benefits with no clear reciprocity.The industry is left in the dark regarding the content and implications of the reported trade agreement," it said.

Considering these developments, the poultry industry said it demands immediate clarification from Minister Tau on the content and commitments reflected in the July 29  media release. It also calls for the urgent revocation of the US poultry import quota, which undermines local producers and is no longer justifiable in the absence of fair-trade terms.

"The industry reiterates its readiness to engage constructively with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and calls on the Minister to uphold the principles of transparency and consultation in all trade negotiations that materially affect local sectors," Sapa said. 

Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the South African Poultry Association, previously told Business Report  that US authorities have yet to communicate the path forward for Agoa.

“We assume that this tariff announcement will be the end of Agoa, which will be bad for the country,” Breitenbach said.

BUSINESS REPORT