The United Kingdom’s poultry industry is set to benefit from an estimated £160 million in revenue over the next five years following the resumption of poultry exports to South Africa. The lifting of an eight-year ban, initially imposed due to outbreaks of avian influenza, marks a significant milestone in UK-South Africa trade relations, restoring a key market for British poultry producers.
South Africa, historically a substantial market for UK poultry, had ceased imports from Britain following the discovery of avian flu in 2016. Earlier this year, the UK was declared free of the virus, enabling negotiations to recommence. The British government, in collaboration with South African authorities, has now secured renewed market access, a move anticipated to revitalise trade and foster stronger bilateral economic ties.
Strengthening Bilateral Agricultural Trade
The reopening of South Africa’s market to British poultry follows sustained efforts by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and other government bodies. In a move set to benefit both economies, UK poultry producers will once again be able to serve a market that imported over £37 million worth of British poultry in 2016.
Daniel Zeichner, the UK’s Food Security Minister, led the negotiations, working alongside South African Deputy Ministers Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Andrew Whitfield (Trade). The deal is expected to bolster both UK poultry exports and South Africa’s access to high-quality poultry, reinforcing the strong trade relationship between the two countries.
In a statement, Zeichner highlighted the broader implications of the agreement:
“This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders but also grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy. We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience, and kickstarting our food exports.”
A Collaborative Success Story
Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, praised the efforts of both UK and South African officials in securing the deal:
“The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is fantastic news for UK producers and exporters. Prior to the ban, it was a vital market for UK exporters. This achievement is a testament to the hard work by Defra’s market access team, agricultural attachés, and other officials.”
Echoing these sentiments, Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, lauded the collaborative efforts that made this possible:
“Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic growth right here in the UK. The resumption of poultry trade with South Africa, one of our most significant former markets, exemplifies the success of government and industry working together to overcome technical barriers. This is incredibly exciting news for UK poultry producers.”
Looking Forward
The British poultry industry, which supplies half the meat consumed in the UK and accounts for 70% of global poultry breeding stock, is expected to see significant growth following the reopening of this crucial market. Defra has pledged to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the smooth resumption of exports and to explore additional markets in the future.
This agreement comes on the heels of recent successes in agricultural trade, including new export opportunities for UK beetroot in the US, reflecting the UK’s broader strategy to expand its agri-food exports post-Brexit.
