Country Bird blames EU imports for closure of local plant
Country Bird Holdings, SA’s third-largest chicken producer, will close one of its three abattoirs as the local industry struggles to compete with cheap European imports that it argues amount to dumping. The company would close its facility in Mahikeng, in the North West, in the absence of increased government protection against the imports, Country Bird CEO Marthinus Stander said by phone on Thursday. The company notified employees in 2016 about the planned closure, he said. South African farmers and unions say the EU is selling chicken legs, thighs and wings at below cost, pushing the local industry to the brink of collapse, and have asked the government to increase protection. The EU has in turn accused SA of unfairly protecting its chicken industry with import duties that mask local producers’ inability to compete in global markets. The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) told MPs this week that chicken imports should be reduced by at least half, according to a presentation ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.