South African beef exports to China could grow by 50% thanks to recent trade talks

Clarence Ford speaks with Louw van Reenen, Executive Chairperson of the Beefmaster Group.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

South Africa’s trade discussions with China could unlock 50% more beef exports within the next year according to the Beefmaster Group.

At Wednesday's South African State Business Forum event in Beijing, the group expressed optimism about the future trade relationship between the two countries.

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South Africa currently exports beef to China, but these positive discussions could further strengthen the relationship.

Van Reenen notes that South Africa could boost beef exports to over R500 million worth annually.

He says while South Africa is not a major player in the beef industry, it has considerable growth potential.  

“We are prepared. We have the stock.”

- Louw van Reenen, Executive Chairperson of the Beefmaster Group

He believes these talks have been successful in part due to a memorandum of understanding regarding the management of Foot and Mouth disease, made possible by the GNU and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.