11 September 2025

Editor's Note...

South Africa’s poultry sector stands at a critical juncture, where ambitions for export-led growth are undermined by protectionist resistance to competitive imports.

This contradiction, particularly in light of rising profits and a broadly optimistic industry outlook, reveals a deeper structural imbalance that cannot be resolved through trade policy alone.

The current model is no longer fit for purpose and demands a comprehensive overhaul involving transparent industry and government collaboration.

Local Poultry Protectionist Lobbying Intensifies Amid Soaring Profits

South Africa’s poultry industry has staged a remarkable recovery since the devastating bird flu outbreaks of 2023, which saw over 9.5 million birds culled and billions of rand in losses.

By mid-2025, production levels have not only stabilised but surged, with major players like Astral Foods and Rainbow Chicken reporting improved profitability and restored breeder stocks. Yet, as the sector …

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Local Poultry Protectionist Lobbying Intensifies Amid Soaring Profits
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