South Africa’s agricultural exports are growing and new overseas markets are opening up, but the country’s meat industry says bureaucratic delays are preventing producers from taking advantage of willing buyers in several key export destinations.
The warning from industry groups shows a growing contradiction in Africa’s most industrialised economy- while government officials celebrate rising agricultural exports and fresh trade opportunities, exporters say unresolved approvals and certification delays are shutting them out of markets that are already prepared to buy South African meat.
According to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), the consequences are becoming increasingly costly.
Industry estimates suggest producers have lost roughly $92.83 million (R1.5 billion) in potential sales since Qatar suspended imports of South African lamb in June 2024.
Exporters argue that demand remains strong, but that regulatory and administrative processes needed to restore access have not moved quickly enough.
