Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 3/1/16


U.S. chicken is on grocery shelves in South Africa for the first time in nearly 17 years, according to the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council.

Five containers of U.S. bone-in chicken leg quarters and drumsticks from Tyson Foods and House of Raeford Farms arrived at the Port of Durban on Feb. 19, and were cleared by South African veterinary authorities on Feb. 22.

The chicken cuts have been repackaged under the Jwayelani Butcheries brand and are now for sale at the company’s 21 shops in and around Durban.

South Africa imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of U.S. bone-in chicken cuts in 2000, effectively closing the door on its market to the American products. Last year, however, the Obama administration threatened to withhold benefits to South Africa under the Africa Growth and Opportunity if South Africa did not reopen its market to U.S. chicken, beef and pork.

An agreement negotiated between USAPEEC and the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and approved by their respective governments, established an annual import quota for American chicken cuts of 65,000 metric tons. The Obama administration set a deadline of March 15 for South Africa to fully comply with the agreement on imports of poultry and other meats.

“We understand that several other shipments are en route and will arrive before March 15. We also believe that the quota amount for the period will be met,” said USAPEEC President Jim Sumner.

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