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South Africa Opens to U.S. Beef; Further Updates Expected on Pork

Published: Jan 22, 2016

This week South Africa resumed imports of U.S. beef for the first time since the market closed following the December 2003 BSE case. U.S. beef and beef products derived from cattle – of any age – slaughtered after June 24, 2015 are now eligible to ship to South Africa using this letterhead certificate.

Exporters should note that only slaughter and cut-up establishments listed on this approved plant list can produce beef for export to South Africa. The latest correspondence from USDA indicates that this list is up-to-date as of September 2015. Further processing plants and cold storage facilities do not need South Africa approval, but must source all of their product from eligible meat slaughter establishments.

Through November 2015, South Africa imported just under 50,000 metric tons (mt) of beef valued at $79.5 million. Australia, Botswana and Namibia were the primary suppliers, followed by New Zealand and the European Union.

Although USMEF anticipates that U.S. pork will also soon be eligible for South Africa, the market remains closed as of Jan. 22. USMEF will report details on pork eligibility to South Africa once the FSIS Export Library is updated with product eligibility details and corresponding letterhead certificates.

Through November 2015, South Africa imported 35,642 mt of pork valued at $76.1 million. The EU is South Africa’s dominant pork supplier, but Canada also holds about 20 percent market share.

Exporters with questions may email Cheyenne McEndaffer or call 303-623-6328.

Data source: Global Trade Atlas