Warnings of spike in chicken prices in new year
South African meat importers are warning that it's because of import tariffs, which will increase the prices of drumsticks, wings, and eggs in the new year.
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of South Africa says consumers have been bearing the brunt of poultry price hikes over the past few months.
“The social impact of these increases cannot be underestimated as chicken remains the most affordable and essential source of protein for consumers, especially the poor."
The local industry has imported over 80 million fertilised eggs to address the shortages caused by the bird flu outbreak.
The association's CEO Paul Matthew says these eggs cost three times the price of locally grown chicks.
Costs are set to rise sharply in the first quarter of 2024.
"Every effort needs to be made to find a way to keep poultry prices down, which includes speeding up decisions on reduction on duties on imported chicken. At the moment, consumers are charged 62% import duty on bony chicken, which is unacceptable."
