WANDILE SIHLOBO: Time for Sacu nations to reset agricultural collaboration
Neighbours should be open to discussions if they believe SA exports compromise their industries
Southern Africa has experienced agricultural trade friction in the past few years after Namibia and Botswana placed a ban on imports of SA vegetables and citrus. The rationale expressed by officials of both countries was that the import ban ensured that their domestic producers were not exposed to SA competition, giving them space to rebuild production capacity to promote self-sufficiency.
These countries fall under the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) and such policy positions are outside the spirit of free trade. While SA fruit exports could be redirected to other markets worldwide, the vegetable industry had to bear significant financial fallout due to the reduced regional demand. ..
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