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The South African government is expected to announce the outcomes of negotiations between itself and US authorities over the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) on Thursday afternoon.
The media briefing, to be held in Pretoria at 3pm, is expected to be addressed by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.
“South Africa and the United States have been working towards finalising outstanding issues relating to phytosanitary and sanitary measures on US agricultural products,” the trade and industry ministry said in a media alert.
South Africa missed a deadline on Monday to remove barriers to the import of beef, pork and chicken from the US. The import of US meat products was stopped due to health concerns.
In a media briefing on Monday, Davies said negotiations were in “extra time”.
In November, South African and US veterinary authorities signed a health protocol agreement which dealt with the avian flu issue by allowing for imports of US chicken from parts of the US not affected by the disease. But then an issue arose over salmonella infection in chicken. Negotiations also continued over beef and pork health issues.