During the IWTO congress which is currently taking place in Venice, Italy, the head of the delegation of the South African wool industry representatives arranged a meeting with the Chinese delegation. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain first-hand information of the current status of the suspension by China of all wool, both processed and greasy and to establish a platform for discussion of biosecurity issues and other possible barriers between the two countries for the trade of wool.
The Chinese delegation indicated that South Africa has to regain its FMD-status from the international animal health organisation, the OIE, but that there could still be a cooling off period imposed by the Chinese government after this happens. Furthermore, inter-governmental communication at the highest level will remain critical to expedite the process.
The Chinese delegation shared the following insights into the current status:
• In 2018 there was a dramatic reshuffle within the Chinese government departments, including agriculture and customs.
• The outbreak of other animal diseases in China is receiving priority from Chinese authorities.
• The repeated outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa is of great concern to China.
• To undertake further bilateral trade visits between the two countries will not at this stage yield any positive results.
• The difficult trading environment between China and the United States is currently receiving Chinese authorities' priority attention in order to resolve the issue.
It was agreed that communication between the two countries' delegations will continue.
The wool industry and Cape Wool South Africa, as the representative industry body, will continue to exert pressure on the relevant parties to reach a solution to the current situation, as well as to continue negotiations for the opening of other export destinations.
