The government has partially lifted its ban on poultry imports from Brazil, easing mounting fears over food insecurity and price hikes triggered by the suspension.
In a letter dated June 17, the department of agriculture, land reform & rural development confirmed that imports of poultry and poultry products may resume from all Brazilian states except Rio Grande do Sul, the epicentre of a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The new directive takes effect on Thursday.
“SA is ready to partially lift import suspension of all poultry and poultry products from all other states of Brazil except the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with effect from the 19th June 2025,” reads the letter.
In May the government imposed a blanket suspension on all poultry imports from Brazil after HPAI was detected in Rio Grande do Sul, prompting fears of supply shortages and rising costs, particularly in lower-income communities that rely on affordable protein sources.
According to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (Amie), Brazil is the world’s largest poultry exporter supplying over 84% of SA’s poultry imports, including more than 90% of mechanically deboned meat (MDM), a crucial ingredient in processed meat products such as polony, sausages and viennas.
“We commend the government for acting swiftly and pragmatically in response to the evolving avian influenza situation in Brazil,” Amie CEO Imameleng Mothebe said.
“This regionalised approach, aligned with international best practices, is a positive step towards stabilising the poultry market and safeguarding food security for SA consumers.
Mothebe called for urgent finalisation of a revised health certificate agreement between the two governments that would formalise a regional disease management approach and prevent future blanket bans on poultry imports.
The full ban was said to be costing the country more than 100-million meals per week, disrupting supply chains, placing jobs at risk and inflating prices.
Merlog Foods manager George Southey said the department’s decision came at a critical time, striking a vital balance between biosecurity and national food needs. He said lessons must be learnt from the delayed resolve to avert future economic fallout.
Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said that while SA had increased its domestic poultry production in recent years, the country still imports about 20% of its annual poultry consumption equating to about 350,000 tonnes.
Sihlobo said the temporary ban imposed by the government was in line with global norms. Countries such as China and EU states also suspended imports from Brazil after the outbreak.
“This regional approach is also a policy direction that Namibia has followed. Of course, these are decisions by scientists, and they must be given space to make that assessment,” Sihlobo said.
He urged against panic, warning that while temporary bans could strain supply chains and raise prices if prolonged, they were necessary biosecurity measures. He emphasised that these decisions should be guided by science, not media pressure.
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