IT is doubtful that David Wolpert reads anything beyond his own letters or believes his own propaganda (“Stop bullying potential South African importers”, Business Report, June 22), because if he did, he would see that the minister of trade and industry has singled out the local poultry industry in Parliament and elsewhere for praise for subordinating the interests of local producers for the greater good of the country.
The initial US tactic to insist on completely removing legitimate and unchallenged anti-dumping duties for Agoa’s (African Growth and Opportunity Act) renewal – and flood our market with their unwanted surpluses as a consequence – could not stand unchallenged.
If Wolpert had any real experience of international trade negotiations between countries, he would know that the conversion of a unilateral trade concession to a bilateral trade agreement requires a great deal of give-and-take. This we did to the satisfaction of all.
That Wolpert chooses to “put aside” the issue of local job losses speaks volumes to his lack of substance when regurgitating the disingenuous innuendo that characterises his regular attacks on our industry.
Anti-dumping duties imposed, or decided upon, after a rigorous investigative process proved this unfair trade practice has taken place by Brazil, the US, and several EU states. As this is not in the interests of the avaricious importers he represents, Wolpert will stoop to misinformation, blatant lies, misrepresentation and apparently even defamation to circumvent this fact.
Cheap imports and product dumping have decimated the local glass, textiles, rubber and shoe industries, among many others. This has happened in many countries and is not only a concern for South Africa. Allowing importers to do the same to poultry would threaten the 130 000 people and their families who depend on us for their jobs. If Wolpert was really serious about South Africa, our consumers and our economy, he would focus on exports rather than the easy profits and quick wins of dumped, imported poultry.
Kevin Lovell
CEO: The South African Poultry Association