AMIE Backs South Africa Meat Export Plan

The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), a body representing South Africa’s meat import and export sector has welcomed the government’s plan aimed at ensuring long-term resilience and competitiveness of the industry.

The plan was developed in response to the reality that diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are likely to remain part of the country’s future. It seeks to prevent such outbreaks from halting the export of South African meat products.

According to AMIE, many of South Africa’s trading partners are willing to source meat from FMD-free zones within the country, provided that regionalisation agreements are already in place.

The association affirmed its readiness to support the government’s trade objectives through its sector expertise and established global networks with the aim of finalising agreements before potential outbreaks occur. The association said the move would help keep trade smooth and efficient.