There could be a low supply of a local winter favourite. The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters South Africa (AMIE) says South Africa imports approximately 70% of its oxtail from Argentina, and that an administrative error has now led to the blocking of Argentine oxtail imports. 

AMIE CEO Paul Matthew says Argentina has the product, South Africa needs the product, and consumers should not lose access to oxtail because of a certificate issue that can be easily resolved.

Low supply of a local winter favourite forecast on tables

AMIE says local producers cannot supply the cut at the volumes the market requires, particularly during the winter. Oxtail stew and potjie are popular household meals over the cold season, also in restaurants. But due to the administrative error, blocking imports, importers and retailers will have to manage stock carefully. Meanwhile, consumers could face higher prices if the supply of this meat is tightened further.

“South Africa’s favourite winter dish is under threat, and the cause isn’t drought, disease, or global shortage. It’s paperwork.”

Imports of Argentine oxtail

The organisation claims a single wording error in a sanitary certificate has stalled imports of Argentine oxtail. The organisation also says this could have been avoided. It is now requesting the Department of Agriculture (DoA) to urgently review the current sanitary certificate and to restore a practical, scientifically justified route for imports before retailers and consumers feel the full impact.

South Africa’s favourite winter dish is under threat

The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters South Africa says local producers could be unable to meet demand. CEO Paul Matthew says the industry estimates put the potential loss at 1,000 tonnes and R100 million worth of product this winter alone, just as consumer demand peaks. AMIE is now requesting that the Department of Agriculture urgently review the current sanitary certificate and restore a practical, scientifically justified route for imports before retailers and consumers feel the full impact.

“SOUTH AFRICANS COULD SOON PAY SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FOR ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FAVOURITE WINTER MEALS AFTER AN ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR BLOCKED ARGENTINE OXTAIL IMPORTS, WHICH SUPPLY THE MAJORITY OF THE LOCAL MARKET.”