UPDATE: First U.S. Poultry arrives in South Africa

For the first time in over 15 years, U.S. poultry has arrived in South Africa. This is the result of an agreement reached in June 2015.

According to Senator Chris Coons, the deal required South Africa to eliminate longstanding barriers to U.S. poultry imports.

Senator Coons says he and Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia have been pressuring the South African government to end what he calls unfair trade policies.

“This is a significant win for poultry farmers in Delaware and Georgia and for South Africans who will now have access to our healthy, affordable, and high-quality poultry.” Says Senator Coons.

We’re told there is always a chance that the South African government will try and re-negotiate the deal. Senator Coons says the next step is to keep a close eye on their operations.

The poultry industry supports more than 14,000 jobs in Delaware and contributes more than $4.6 billion to the state’s economy, according to the National Chicken Council.