By: Nomvula Ndlovu

There are mixed reactions to the Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies’ announcement that there will be an increase in import tariffs on cheap chicken imports.

On Monday, Davies announced that tariff on whole birds, consumed by upper-income groups in South Africa, will increase from 27 % to 82 %.

The import tariff on those chicken products consumed mainly by “poor households” will only increase from 27 to 31%.

Speaking to AM Live on Tuesday morning, the South African Poultry Association Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Lovell, said that they are happy about the increase as it will level the playing field.

The chicken import increase has brought with it mixed feelings among traders and the public. Picture by: Nomvula Ndlovu
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“All in all I think this is going to help us stabilise the poor situation in the industry, at the moment thousands of jobs have already been lost and thousands are still on the line,” said Lovell.

However, the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters CEO, David Wolpert said that they are disappointed about the increases in duties as these will be financed by the consumers.

Owner of Khan’s Meat Supply in Newlands West Yusuf Khan said, “The chicken import hike is good for business and will level my company with big meat supplies.”

Street vendor Mampho Talenyane was on the fence concerning the hike.

“The import hike will be good because it will create minor job opportunities but it is bad for us as consumers because we will have to pay more,” Talenyane said.