The long-standing disagreement between South Africa and the US over the ability of the American poultry industry to export chicken pieces to South Africa came into sharp relief earlier this month when President Barack Obama announced that Africa Growth and Opportunity Act benefits would be withdrawn on South African agriculture products from January 5, 2016, unless a resolution was found. Flying diplomatic feathers notwithstanding, it appears that there is serious intent from both sides to ensure that the outstanding issues surrounding not only chicken, but also pork and beef, are resolved well in advance of that deadline.