AMIE warns of soaring chicken prices if Brazillian bird flu-induced import ban proceeds

SOUTH AFRICAN – South African consumers could soon face higher chicken prices and potential food shortages if a nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry imports is implemented, warns the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE).

The warning follows a recent outbreak of avian influenza in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has prompted calls within South Africa’s poultry sector for a complete halt to chicken imports from Brazil, the country’s largest supplier.

But AMIE is strongly opposing the move, advocating instead for a regionalised approach that targets only the affected areas, an option already adopted by countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.

“Imported poultry not only fills the country’s poultry consumption gap, but provides the necessary competition to ensure that prices are kept in check,” said AMIE CEO Imameleng Mothebe. 

“A blanket ban on Brazilian imports will lead to sharp increases in the prices of these products, pushing them out of reach for many, particularly those in low-income communities.”

Brazil accounts for around 84% of South Africa’s total poultry imports and supplies a staggering 92% of all mechanically deboned meat (MDM) brought into the country. 

On average, 18,000 metric tonnes of MDM, a key ingredient in processed meats like sausages and polony, arrive in South Africa from Brazil each month. 

Because MDM is not produced locally on a commercial scale, AMIE insists there is no viable alternative to fill the gap if imports are fully halted.

“Poultry products, including MDM, bone-in pieces and other affordable cuts, are staples for many South African families,” Mothebe explained. 

“This would exacerbate food insecurity at a time when consumers are already facing high inflation and economic pressures. Coupled with this are the potential job losses arising from the unavailability of MDM product required to keep the meat processing facilities running.”

A call for science-based decision making 

AMIE is urging the South African government, particularly the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, to adopt a collaborative, science-based strategy. 

It argues that a regional ban, as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health, would strike a balance between disease prevention and consumer protection.

“The stakes are simply too high for South African consumers. We cannot afford to cut off our primary supply market without a viable alternative in place,” said Mothebe, who also criticised the government’s delays in reopening poultry trade routes from countries such as France, the Netherlands, and the U.S., where avian flu outbreaks have already been contained.

“Poultry is the most affordable protein for most South Africans. Any major disruption in its supply threatens both food security and economic stability,” she added.

AMIE has committed to working with government stakeholders to develop an effective and transparent response plan that prioritises safe imports, economic stability, and the well-being of South African consumers.

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