Thanks to coordinated efforts between health and diplomatic officials and the export sector, the reopening of this trade channel reestablishes access to an emerging market on the African continent for Chilean poultry exports.
Between late 2022 and mid-2023, Chile experienced a crisis due to the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which forced the temporary suspension of poultry exports to several markets. Since September 2023, after the country was recognized as HPAI-free by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), efforts to reopen these destinations have increased.
One of the most recent examples is South Africa, whose reopening was discussed at the 8th meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade and Investment held on February 28 in Pretoria, as part of the official tour of South Africa, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia by the Undersecretary of International Economic Affairs (SUBREI), Claudia Sanhueza.
“This positive news for the poultry export sector reflects the joint efforts of Chilean authorities and the bilateral dialogue with South Africa, which has helped resolve the challenges caused by the HPAI outbreaks. SUBREI will continue working to remove non-tariff barriers that could affect exports and thus diversify our export portfolio,” said Undersecretary Sanhueza.
Some key facts
In 2022, before the closure, 1,063 tons of poultry were exported to South Africa; in 2023, with restrictions still in place, only 24 tons were shipped. In terms of value, exports to the Sub-Saharan country reached $2.4 million USD between 2022 and 2023.
South Africa is one of the most important countries on the African continent and a strategic trading partner for Chile. Bilateral trade reached $184.9 million USD by the end of 2024, with an average annual growth of 4.3% over the past six years. Its public and private institutions, together with the bilateral framework for economic cooperation, and the presence of a Chilean diplomatic mission in the country, reinforce a positive outlook for future trade between both countries.
