As the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai this last week comes to an end, attention turns to the South African beef industry, one of the clear winners of increased favourable relations between China and South Africa.

The recent news that Ivermectin – a drug typically used to treat parasites in livestock – may be used compassionately by humans in the fight against COVID-19 – has sparked fears of a possible shortage as well as price hikes of the drug in the agricultural sector.  

Local beef producers are hoping to unlock increased trade volumes for South Africa from key markets like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022.  

Government recently announced that it would extend the National State of Disaster by another month to April 2022.