The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) said it welcomed the resumption of poultry meat imports from Brazil as it would help restore stability to supply chain processes, ease cost pressure and support food security for consumers.
SA had suspended all imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil after the confirmation of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak in chickens in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in May.
SA’s R65bn poultry sector — the second-largest agricultural industry in the country — provides nearly 58,000 jobs along the value chain and is a vital source of affordable protein for millions of households.
The AMIE, which represents the interests of meat and poultry importers and exporters in the country, commended both the SA and Brazilian authorities for their “constructive engagement in finalising the necessary veterinary certification and import protocols”.
“This resolution, confirmed by a directive issued by the directorate of animal health on July 4 2025, allows for the resumption of imports of poultry meat and products from all Brazilian states, except for specific consignments produced during the defined suspension period,” it said in a statement.
This means importers may now proceed with new applications for veterinary import permits in line with updated requirements.
“We are deeply encouraged by the conclusion of this process and extend our appreciation to the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, as well as to the Brazilian authorities, for the diligent and collaborative manner in which this matter has been addressed,” AMIE CEO Imameleng Mothebe said.
“The reopening of trade with Brazil is vital for ensuring the steady supply of poultry products, particularly mechanically deboned meat (MDM), which plays a critical role in the production of affordable processed meats. This resolution will help restore stability to the supply chain, ease cost pressures, and support food security for SA consumers.”
Mothebe said the association looked forward to constructive collaboration with the government and trade partners to strengthen SA’s food system, and to ensure “it remains resilient, safe and accessible to all”.
Though Brazil is the world’s leading poultry exporter and supplies more than 84% of SA’s poultry imports, according to the AMIE, it accounted for only 18% of the country’s total poultry consumption last year, the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) said.
According to Sapa, local producers supplied more than 80% of the domestic market.
With Jana Marx
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