Chicken Dispute Imperils South Africa's AGOA Eligibility
President Barack Obama has given South Africa 60 days to demonstrate the requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act for agricultural exports are being met. South Africa's major exports to the United States include oranges, macadamia nuts and wine. But the current dispute centers around poultry, pork and beef with chicken the major focus. "South Africa does not deserve to receive benefits under AGOA as long as they refuse to drop unfair trade policies that have effectively slammed the door on American chicken imports for over a decade," a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators from chicken-producing states said in a statement.
South Africa, which has raised concerns about avian influenza outbreaks periodically experienced by American producers, as well as the impact on domestic producers, agreed during Paris talks in June to finalize a protocol addressing outstanding issues. Trade Minister Rob Davies said he expects a resolution before the 60-day deadline is reached.
Poultry farm in South Africa
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South Africa:
We Comply with All AGOA Eligibility Criteria - Minister Davies
Govt of SA, 3 November 2015
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has assured Parliament that South Africa (SA) has addressed the technical issues relating to market access of United States (US)… Read more »
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South Africa:
U.S. to Suspend African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Benefits to South Africa
USTR, 6 November 2015
Today, the President sent notifications to Congress and to South Africa indicating that he intends to suspend benefits to South African agricultural products under the African… Read more »
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South Africa:
Complexity of Animal Health Issues Being Addressed in AGOA Talks - Davies
Govt of SA, 7 November 2015
In a letter dated 5th of November 2015, President Obama, warned South Africa that if the negotiations on the outstanding issues related to the poultry SPS issues are not resolved… Read more »
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South Africa:
Joint Statement by the United States and South Africa on Agricultural Trade
USTR, 5 June 2015
U.S. and South Africa industry and government officials met in Paris for two days of talks on agricultural and broader trade matters. Read more »
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South Africa:
U.S. Senators Tackle South Africa Over Chicken Import Restrictions
United States Senate, 21 October 2015
U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today expressed concern after South Africa missed an October 15 deadline to allow U.S. poultry… Read more »
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South Africa:
Davies, Govt Urged to Avert 60-Day U.S. Ultimatum
News24Wire, 6 November 2015
SA has only 60 days to avoid a profoundly negative impact on its economy after the US threatened to suspend its duty-free farm trade status, industry role players warned on Friday. Read more »
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South Africa:
U.S., SA Agree On Agricultural Issues
SAnews.gov.za, 16 September 2015
South African and United States veterinary experts have agreed to ensure that US poultry imports to South Africa resume by the end of the year. Read more »
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