The South African poultry industry has not applied for any new anti-dumping duties on chicken imports, and does not intend to do so in the near future.
This was clarified by Izaak Breitenbach of the SA Poultry Association (SAPA) in a letter to Business Report.
Breitenbach said the newspaper had wrongly reported that new applications for anti-dumping duties were under way, and that tariffs were pushing up chicken prices.
The poultry industry had not made any new requests for higher tariffs on imported chicken, Breitenbach said.
Anti-dumping duties were imposed after extensive investigations by South Africa’s trade regulator, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC). These import duties were remedial measures aligned with World Trade Organisation rules. They were designed to defend fair trade and jobs, not to raise prices.
“South Africa has secured anti-dumping duties on chicken imports from nine countries because these unfairly priced imports were harming local poultry producers and threatening local jobs. The industry has stated that, at the moment, it has no intention of applying for anti-dumping duties against any other countries.
“Secondly, it is incorrect to suggest that tariffs are the cause of higher chicken prices. Chicken remains South Africa’s most affordable source of meat protein, despite global increases in feed, fuel, and energy costs. Retail prices are influenced by input costs, not by anti-dumping duties which counter the below-cost imports that destabilise local production.’
Breitenbach said the poultry industry’s goal was not protectionism, but market stability and food security. “We have to ensure that the country can meet its own demand sustainably while protecting rural livelihoods.”
He also noted that poultry producers were providing enough chicken to meet domestic needs.
“Claims that South Africa cannot produce enough chicken to meet local demand is not an accurate reflection of the current reality.
“Finally, the industry’s engagement with the Competition Commission’s market inquiry will be constructive and transparent. The inquiry is an opportunity to clarify facts, correct misconceptions, and demonstrate the sector’s essential contribution to employment, rural development, and food security,” Breitenbach said.
