The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) expresses deep concern following confirmation that the People’s Republic of China has suspended imports of all beef and related products from South Africa due to the continued spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This action follows extensions of current outbreaks in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, linked to ongoing incidents in KwaZulu-Natal.

The decision by one of South Africa’s key trade partners emphasises the devastating impact that FMD outbreaks and subsequent trade suspensions have on the red meat industry. The ripple effect of this ban is far-reaching, threatening the livelihoods of producers, feedlots, abattoirs, exporters, and many others across the value chain, while compounding the challenges of biosecurity and economic uncertainty.

RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier commented: “This development is a stark reminder of the fragility of our export markets when faced with biosecurity threats. While we respect China’s biosecurity protocols, the economic impact on South African farmers and the entire red meat value chain is severe and disheartening.”

The setback is especially unfortunate considering the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between South Africa and China in September 2024, which aimed to deepen bilateral trade cooperation. This MoU, celebrated as a key step in strengthening economic ties, included a specific agreement focused on Foot and Mouth Disease prevention and control. According to the Parliamentary Monitoring Group, this FMD agreement was designed to enable imports of beef from South African provinces free of the disease, offering a pathway for regionalisation that could safeguard trade even amid localised outbreaks.

“We had hoped the MoU would pave the way for more nuanced responses to outbreaks—allowing beef exports from non-affected provinces to continue,” Olivier noted. “Unfortunately, the current blanket suspension shows the complexity of implementing these agreements effectively during real-time crises.”

Strategic importance of the agreement

The MoU aimed to broaden South Africa’s export basket with diversified, value-added products to China, reinforcing China’s role as South Africa’s largest trading partner and opening new avenues for trade and investment. The FMD-specific component of the MoU was intended to reinforce confidence in South Africa’s disease control measures and mitigate the risk of full trade suspensions in the event of outbreaks. Despite these forward-looking agreements, the present situation highlights the urgent need for practical application of regionalisation principles and more resilient disease management systems.

Export volumes to China

In 2024, South Africa’s beef exports experienced significant growth, increasing by 30% from the previous year to reach 38 657 tonnes. China emerged as a key market, accounting for approximately 14% of South Africa’s frozen beef exports. This underscores the strategic importance of the Chinese market for South African beef producers and the broader red meat industry.

Collaboration with government

RMIS acknowledges and appreciates the swift escalation of control measures by the Department of Agriculture, including rapid response, containment, and intensified biosecurity efforts. Of particular note is the close working relationship between RMIS and Deputy Director-General Mr. Dipepeneneng Serage, whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding the industry through challenging periods. RMIS values the ongoing constructive engagement and trust built with DDG Serage and his team, which strengthens the collective response and ensures that industry voices are heard and considered in policy and crisis management.

A call for innovative, out-of-the-box thinking

This latest outbreak highlights the critical need for innovative and adaptive approaches that balance disease control with economic sustainability. RMIS advocates for:

  • Enhanced traceability and biosecurity protocols to reassure trade partners,
  • Practical application of regionalisation, enabling exports from unaffected zones,
  • Public-private partnerships to enhance surveillance and rapid response,
  • And a rethinking of existing protocols to prevent blanket bans that paralyze the industry.

“We need solutions that serve both our domestic industry and our trade partners,” Olivier emphasised. “Out-of-the-box thinking is essential—not just to manage disease outbreaks, but to protect the livelihoods of everyone in the red meat value chain and secure the future of South African exports.”

RMIS will continue to engage transparently with all stakeholders and remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring market access and building a more resilient red meat sector.