South Africa is opening new export markets, but meat producers say billions are being lost in existing ones
Business Insider
Last updated: June 15, 2026
South African agricultural exporters are facing significant losses due to unresolved administrative delays and certification issues, despite government reports of rising agricultural exports and new trade opportunities. Industry groups warn that these bottlenecks are preventing access to markets that are ready to purchase South African meat, leading to substantial financial setbacks.
- Industry groups, including the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), are highlighting a growing disconnect between government optimism about agricultural exports and the reality faced by exporters. Qatar suspended imports of South African lamb in June 2024, resulting in an estimated $92.83 million (R1.5 billion) in lost potential sales. Exporters state that demand is robust, but the necessary regulatory and administrative processes to regain market access are progressing too slowly. Before the suspension, Qatar was a key market, importing approximately 300 tonnes of lamb monthly. Similar delays, stemming from veterinary certification, market access approvals, and government-to-government processes, are also impacting export opportunities with Bahrain, Mauritius, and Egypt. While the Agriculture Minister has emphasized export growth and diversification efforts, exporters stress the critical importance of maintaining market access and promptly meeting trading partner requirements in a competitive global food market. Competitors from South America, Australia, and New Zealand are actively pursuing Middle Eastern and North African meat markets. Industry leaders caution that prolonged delays increase the risk of importers forming new, potentially irreversible, supplier relationships, questioning South Africa's ability to capitalize on global food demand if market access remains constrained.
