Chicken Prices May Rise in South Africa, but Beef Could Get Cheaper

South Africans might soon feel the pinch at the grocery store as chicken prices are expected to climb — but there’s a silver lining: beef could become more affordable.

This comes after the South African government temporarily suspended poultry imports from Brazil, the country’s major chicken supplier, following a bird flu outbreak in the South American nation. The suspension is aimed at safeguarding both local consumers and the domestic poultry industry.

According to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, this precautionary measure shouldn’t be viewed as a trade conflict but rather a necessary step to protect public health and local producers.

Local Producers Step In

Despite the import ban, South African poultry producers are confident they can fill the gap. The Department of Agriculture has also clarified that shipments packed on or before April 30, 2025 — as well as heat-treated poultry products — will still be allowed in, as they pose minimal risk.

What About Beef?

Interestingly, while chicken prices could spike, consumers might find some relief in the red meat aisle. Following China’s suspension of red meat imports from South Africa due to foot and mouth disease outbreaks in parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, domestic beef prices are expected to soften.

Sihlobo notes that the drop in international demand for South African beef could help ease prices at home, offering consumers a more budget-friendly protein alternative.

What It Means for Shoppers

As chicken gets pricier, shoppers may turn to beef for better value. This shift in demand could temporarily ease pressure on household grocery budgets, although overall food inflation remains a concern.

{Source: eNCA}

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