South Africa has started exporting beef to China after the lifting of the ban following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) early this year, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) said on Tuesday.
"Exports have resumed. The information with regards to quantities exported is not readily available. The resumption of the export of beef from South Africa to China will assist with the growth of the beef industry, thereby, bringing income into South Africa, and may later allow for the creation of jobs in this sector," said DAFF.
South Africa confirmed the outbreak of FMD in January 2019, which resulted in the stopping of export and losing of World Organization for Animal Health recognized FMD-free status.
The country declared the end of the FMD outbreak in May and engaged the veterinary authority of China to request market access for products considered safe.
DAFF said veterinary authority of China paid an inspection visit to South Africa in July and was satisfied with the implemented control measures.
On July 23, China lifted the ban on beef imports from South Africa except those from Limpopo Province, Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga Province and uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
"The Department has informed all stakeholders that (the ban) has been lifted and that exports (with exception from the specified areas) according to the previously agreed protocol may resume." DAFF said,
DAFF said they are putting some logistical measures in place to increase the beef export to China.
South Africa has also successfully negotiated and re-opened the market for the export of deboned matured beef to Bahrain, Botswana, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lesotho, Mozambique, Qatar, Eswatini and the UAE.
