South Africa has historically been an important market for UK poultry and teams from across government have worked in combination with their counterparts in South Africa for many years to regain market access.
International Meat Trade Association CEO Katie Doherty said: “The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is fantastic news for UK producers and exporters – prior to the ban, it was a vital market for UK exporters.
“It is testament to all the hard work by Defra’s market access team and the agricultural attachés and other officials who have supported this crucial work over many years, for which we are very grateful.”
Highest safety standards in agriculture
In September, the British Ambassador to the Philippines hosted a networking reception at her residence celebrating a significant milestone in UK- Philippine trade relations: the return of UK poultry imports to the Philippines after a three-year ban imposed over AI.
Ambassador Laure Beaufils said: “Tonight, I am here to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the highest safety standards in agriculture, to celebrate with all of you the return of UK poultry to the Philippines after three years, and indeed to celebrate the growth of this industry, which is key to nutritional outcomes in the Philippines.
“UK-Philippines trade reached an all-time high of £2.8 billion in 2023, with UK meat becoming the second-most exported commodity at £37.2 million.
“With UK poultry back on the menu, we anticipate significant growth in these figures,” she added.
