Johannesburg - South Africa's agriculture minister said on Friday he was surprised that the United States planned to revoke duty-free status for South African agricultural goods in 60 days under a program set up to help African exporters.
The US issued the warning on Thursday following a drawn-out dispute over US chicken and meat exports, citing that South Africa had missed an October 15 deadline to agree on new animal health and food safety rules.
This will also affect US beef and pork exports.
“I am surprised because our veterinarians were meeting with the Americans last week,” Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana said on ENCA television. “They exchanged information. We are waiting for the Americans to respond to the suggestions we have made.”
REUTERS