SA works towards resolution over US meat imports
Government says significant progress has been made to resolve the outstanding issues around the import of pork and beef from the United States.
South Africa may face losing their duty-free benefits for their agricultural exports under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act.
That's if they fail to meet the deadline to remove the barriers preventing imports of US chicken, pork, and beef which is today.
The country stopped the import of chicken from the US in December 2014 following a bird flu outbreak, saying it wanted to ensure the meat met international health standards.
Briefing the media in Pretoria, Trade and Industries Minister Rob Davies said authorities on both sides have been in talks.
Davies says they're awaiting a response on the proposal on the beef and salmonella issues.
"As we sit now, we recognise that we are now in extra time. We are now past full time. The whistle has not as of this moment been blown. We are hoping to give veterinary authorities on both sides time to engage again," he said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)