U.S. senators urging for poultry treaty finalizations

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Johnny Isakson are urging South African President Jacob Zuma to resolve two remaining elements that allow the U.S. poultry exports to South Africa to resume.

In June, leaders from U.S. and South Africa were able were to come to agreement that would end tariffs South Africa has imposed on U.S. chicken exports since 2000 but there’s still unfinished business with this treaty.

According to a joint letter drafted and sent by Senator Coons and Senator Isakson, there needs to be a way to give rebates to poultry companies that will export to south africa so their products actually are duty-free. This is a financial institution called a “rebate facility” and as of now, it’s not set up yet.

The second element includes setting rules for allocation and administration.

Senator Coons says even though South Africa has not made progress, he’s optimistic their leaders will follow through.

“It would be foolish of them to put at risk their entire 1.6 billion dollars to the U.S. exports by simply dragging their feet on an concluding an agreement that’s already been negotiated on in principal.” He says.

According to Senator Coons’ office, the earliest U.S. poultry might be able to enter the South African market is next April.