South Africa is considering removing import duties on chicken meat and eggs as the country faces a severe shortage of poultry products due to a devastating outbreak of avian flu. The outbreak, which started in April 2023, has affected more than 60 farms across the country and led to the culling of about 7.5 million chickens, mainly layers.
The government has asked the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) to investigate whether the temporary relief should apply to ordinary customs duties and anti-dumping levies imposed in August 2023 to protect the local poultry industry from cheap imports. The investigation must be done “in an expedited manner,” according to a Government Gazette notice.
The agriculture department said that the trade and industry minister, Ebrahim Patel, and the agriculture minister, Thoko Didiza, were assessing some trade instruments to ease the supply of chicken meat and eggs, an important animal protein source for many South Africans. The department also said that it was facilitating the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry and fast-tracking the registration of vaccines to control the spread of the virus.
The avian flu outbreak has caused concern among consumers, retailers, and producers, as poultry prices have soared and some grocery stores have limited the number of eggs customers can buy. Some neighboring countries, such as Namibia, have banned chicken meat and egg imports from South Africa.
The outbreak has also hit an industry that was already struggling due to an electricity crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The South African Poultry Association said that the outbreak was “by far the worst” in recent years and had cost the industry losses of at least $25 million.
The government said it worked closely with the industry and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and mitigate its effects. It also urged the public to report any cases of sick or dead birds to the authorities and avoid contact with wild birds or poultry.
The government said there was no evidence of human infection from the avian flu virus but advised people to cook chicken meat and eggs thoroughly before consumption. It also said it monitored the situation closely and would provide regular updates.
The government hoped the outbreak would be controlled soon and the poultry sector would recover from this challenge.
Source: Bloomberg
