South Africa investigating alleged dumping of Brazilian frozen chickens, boneless cuts; investigation should be completed in nine to 12 months; country projected to import 245,000 tonnes of chicken in 2011

Andrew Rogers

LOS ANGELES , August 8, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – The alleged dumping of Brazilian frozen chickens and boneless cuts are being investigated by South Africa, Thembinkosi Gamlashe, spokesperson for the country’s International Trade Administration Commission, said, Bloomberg reported Aug. 4.

The commission’s investigation began in June and found initial ‘proof of injurious dumping,’ Gamlashe said. The investigation should be completed in nine to 12 months, he added.

In the first five months of the year, Brazilian chicken exports to South Africa totaled US$92 million, according to South America’s poultry industry association Ubabef, Bloomberg reported. Despite allegations, the body denies selling chicken at below-market prices.

This year, South Africa is projected to import 245,000 tonnes of chicken, according to U.S. Dept. of Agriculture data. Chicken consumption in South Africa is expected to reach 1.53 million tonnes.

According to Bloomberg, South Africans will consume an average of 31.2 kilograms (68.6 lbs.) of chicken per person this year, up 1.3% year-over-year, the USDA said.

Three years ago, the allegations first emerged and were initially focused on Brazilian poultry exports, but now also focus on some supplies, Ubabef president Francisco Turra said in a June 28 statement. The body believes the dumping claims will prove to be untrue, Turra added.

The primary source of this article is Bloomberg, New York, New York, on August 4, 2011.

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