Karan Beef announced on Friday that after a year of export disruptions caused by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), their first export container had been loaded and is on its way to Jordan.
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Karan Beef announced on Friday that its first export container had been loaded and was on its way to Jordan in the Middle East after a year of export disruptions caused by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Karan Beef said that this achievement would not have been possible without the decisive leadership and commitment of Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and his team in implementing and driving the national vaccination programme.
“The reality is simple: without effective vaccination, export markets will not accept South African beef. Vaccination is the foundation of animal health, market access, and the long-term sustainability of our industry,” it said.
“His efforts have not only enabled Karan Beef to resume exports but have also created a pathway for the broader South African beef industry and its value chain to regain access to international markets.”
Prior to the FMD-related restrictions, Karan Beef exported consistently to more than 14 international markets across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“These export relationships were built over many years through a commitment to quality, reliability and food safety,” said the beef producer.
“We remain hopeful that, through ongoing bilateral negotiations between the Department of Agriculture and trading partners, these markets will reopen in the near future, restoring valuable opportunities for South African producers and the broader agricultural value chain.
South Africa’s beef industry demonstrated resilience in 2024, with exports increasing by 30% year-on-year to 38,657 tons, the highest level in several years.
However, Karan Beef said renewed outbreaks of FMD during 2025 resulted in significant market disruptions and export restrictions across key export destinations.
“The resulting decline in exports highlighted the critical importance of robust animal health systems, enhanced biosecurity measures, effective traceability, and a successful vaccination programme to protect market access and support the long-term growth of South African beef exports.”
Karan Beef said international buyers have welcomed the return of South African beef to the market, and demand from existing and prospective customers has been strong, with significant interest in future supply volumes.
“This positive response reinforces the confidence that global markets continue to have in the quality, consistency, and safety of South African beef,” it said.
“The consistent supply of vaccines is now enabling producers to rebuild cattle numbers and restore production capacity. As the national herd continues to recover and restocking gains momentum, we expect to be in a substantially stronger supply position from August and September onwards.”
Karan Beef said that this will place them in a position to comfortably support growing international demand and take full advantage of additional export opportunities as more markets reopen.
“Today’s shipment is more than just a container leaving our facility—it is a sign of recovery, resilience, and renewed opportunity for South African beef.”
Karan Beef said it remains committed to working alongside government, industry partners, producers, and international customers to rebuild market confidence, expand market access, and secure a sustainable future for South African beef exports.
On social media, Steenhuisen welcomed the news.
“The department continues their mission of unlocking other markets like the UAE for greater export opportunities.”
Steenhuisen added that while their war against FMD continues, he wants to assure South African farmers that he will continue to fight.
BUSINESS REPORT