South Africa’s Pork Industry Faces Threat from US Trade Choice

South Africa’s citrus industry risks losing its preferential export benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) following recent trade decisions by the United States concerning pork importation.

At the centre of this trade dilemma is America’s push for South Africa to open its market to US pork despite the risks associated with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). PRRS, which is present in US herds but absent in South Africa, poses a significant threat to the local pork industry due to its potential to undermine biosecurity and increase disease management costs annually.

The United States is reportedly using South Africa’s lucrative citrus exports as leverage to achieve this market access for its pork producers. While agreeing to US demands may secure continued duty-free access for South African citrus in American markets, it could simultaneously endanger the country’s pork sector.

Industry experts warn that if PRRS is introduced, the repercussions would extend beyond farm gates, potentially affecting the entire pork value chain and reversing biosecurity gains achieved over the years.

South African policymakers now face a tough choice: protect the thriving citrus export market under AGOA or safeguard local pork producers from a disease that could devastate the industry.