US beef returns to South Africa
The first shipment of US beef has arrived in South Africa following the reopening of the country’s market earlier this year, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"The arrival of US beef in South Africa represents another important milestone in efforts by USDA and the Office of the US Trade Representative to regain access to this important market," said agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack.
The US and the Republic of South Africa in January 2016 concluded an agreement on sanitary barrier and health certificates for US beef, pork and poultry products exported to South Africa. The market had been closed to poultry since 2000, beef since 2003 and pork since 2013. USDA estimates that the removal of these barriers could allow US exports of meat to South Africa to reach $75 million annually.
