Washington, D.C. – U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman released the following statement after teams from the United States and South Africa reached an agreement to resolve longstanding barriers to U.S. poultry, beef, and pork:
“We are pleased that South Africa and the United States reached agreement to resolve barriers to U.S. poultry, pork and beef.
“This success was made possible because of South Africa’s constructive efforts over the last several months. Our teams have worked well and closely together to resolve all outstanding technical issues.
“This agreement is a positive outcome for both our countries, helping to deepen our trade and investment relationship and to lay the foundation on which we can build that relationship further.
“For South Africa, our agreement will reserve a portion of the new trade in poultry for historically disadvantaged importers, thus providing new business opportunities that could contribute to their economic advancement.
“It will also allow South African consumers the opportunity to enjoy high quality American poultry, pork and beef.
“While we celebrate the progress we have made in resolving the outstanding technical issues, the true test of our success will be based on the ability of South African consumers to buy American product in local stores. We will be working to ensure that this final benchmark of entry of poultry is achieved so that South Africa continues to have the advantage of full AGOA benefits, including by working with the U.S. and South African industries to expedite the shipment of eligible product as soon as possible. Our goal is to complete this effort so that South Africa can maintain the full and continued enjoyment of AGOA’s benefits.”
