The Gabonese government has announced plans to develop a national strategy to protect its poultry industry, citing exceptions under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and diplomatic negotiations. This move comes after the US expressed concerns over Gabon's plans to ban imports of chicken, citing Article XI:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) of 1994. The article prohibits WTO member countries from imposing restrictions on imports, except for tariffs, taxes, and fees.
The GATT agreement has been a point of contention between the US and Gabon over the proposed ban on chicken imports. In response, Gabon is exploring options under the WTO agreements to safeguard its poultry industry. One possible approach is the Agreement on Safeguards (SG Agreement), which outlines rules for applying emergency measures in cases of increased imports that cause or threaten to cause serious injury to a domestic industry.
The SG Agreement defines safeguard measures as urgent actions taken in response to increased imports of specific products that cause or threaten to cause serious injury to a domestic industry. These measures can take the form of quantitative restrictions on imports or increased tariffs. According to the WTO, safeguard measures are one of three types of contingent trade protection measures available to WTO members, along with anti-dumping and countervailing measures.
Gabon's goal is to secure its poultry industry by January 2027. To achieve this, the government is considering various options, including negotiating with the US and exploring exceptions under WTO agreements. The country's poultry industry is seen as a key sector that requires protection to ensure its survival.
The dispute over chicken imports is not the only economic issue facing Gabon. The country's economy is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2027, according to recent projections. Additionally, investors in the Central African stock exchange, BVMAC, received 102.82 billion FCFA in dividends and interest in 2025.
The Gabonese government has been actively engaged in regional and international economic initiatives. Recently, the country hosted the 16th Ministerial Conference of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, which aimed to combat sub-standard ships. Gabon is also participating in the 81st Congress of the Ordre des Experts-Comptables in Paris.
The development of a national strategy for the poultry industry is seen as a critical step in protecting Gabon's domestic production. The government is expected to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the US and other WTO member countries to find a solution that balances its trade obligations with the need to protect its poultry industry.
Key points
- Gabon plans to develop a national strategy to protect its poultry industry, citing exceptions under WTO agreements and diplomatic negotiations.
- The country's goal is to secure its poultry industry by January 2027.
- The dispute over chicken imports is part of a broader economic agenda, including a projected 4.5% growth in 2027.
