SA Starts Exporting Beef to China

CHINA - South Africa has begun exporting beef to China after the ban following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) early this year was lifted, as reported by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) yesterday.
calendar icon 11 September 2019
clock icon 2 minute read

DAFF said, "Exports have resumed. The information with regards to quantities exported is not readily available. The resumption of the export of beef from South Africa to China will assist with the growth of the beef industry, thereby, bringing income into South Africa, and may later allow for the creation of jobs in this sector."

Back in January of this year, South Africa confirmed the FMD outbreak, which led to halt in exports and loss of the OIE-recognised FMD-free status. The end of the outbreak was declared four months later in May, and the country engaged China's veterinary authority to request market access for products that were considered safe.

DAFF said the veterinary authority of China paid a visit to South Africa in July wherein inspections were conducted, and the latter was satisfied with the implemented control measures.

On 23 July, China lifted the ban on beef imports from South Africa, with the exception of those from Limpopo Province, Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga Province and uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal Province.

"The Department has informed all stakeholders that (the ban) has been lifted and that exports (with exception from the specified areas) according to the previously agreed protocol may resume." DAFF said, adding that they are putting some logistical measures in place to increase the beef export to China.

South Africa has also successfully negotiated and re-opened the market for the export of deboned matured beef to other countries such as Bahrain, Botswana, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lesotho, Mozambique, Qatar, Eswatini and the UAE.

TheCattleSite News Desk

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.