SA concludes ‘the three meats’ negotiations with the US
The South African government is pleased to announce that it has concluded the negotiations on poultry, beef and pork with the United States – “the three meats” – bringing to a close several months of discussions with the United States on the terms required to secure its position in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for the next 10 years.
On Friday, the first shipment of poultry (frozen chicken legs) arrived at the Port of Durban and was cleared by the Port Health Authorities,– thus allowing the products to be placed on South Africa’s retail shelves before the deadline of 15 March 2016. This is the final benchmark set by President Obama.
The US Trade Representative, Ambassador Michael Froman has communicated his satisfaction to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies. Froman has indicated that he will recommend that President Obama lift the threat of suspension of South Africa’s agricultural concessions under AGOA.
Minister Davies wishes to thank all the South African stakeholders in the poultry, beef and pork sectors, the AGOA agriculture beneficiaries, in the wine, macadamia nuts, citrus sectors, and the public at large for their patience and understanding during a very complex negotiation.
AGOA is a preferential trade arrangement that creates opportunities for many sectors in South Africa to access the United States market. South Africa and the United States have already begun to work together to facilitate access to the import quota on chicken legs to newly emerging business from previously disadvantaged communities.
Minister Davies says the process of discussing market access for SA products to the US is continuing.
“In addition, discussions are under way to facilitate exports of SA products to the US in a number of products including chicken breast, ostrich meat, avocados and mangoes,” says Davies.
Minister Davies adds that progress has already been registered with SA litchis accessing the US market at the beginning of 2016. The understandings reached will also create new opportunities to deepen the trade and investment relation between the US, South Africa and the African Continent as a whole.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Mobile: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
