JOHANNESBURG - Oxtail prices have nearly doubled as restrictions on Argentine imports squeeze supply.
Oxtail that sold for around R79 to R99 a kilogram earlier this year is now going for as much as R169 to R199.
South Africa relies heavily on imports to meet demand, with about 70% of imported oxtail coming from Argentina.
READ | Oxtail shortage looms as Argentina imports stall
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) said revised veterinary requirements are preventing some Argentine suppliers from exporting oxtail and other bone-in beef products to South Africa.
AMIE is asking the Agriculture Department to provide the scientific evidence behind the additional restrictions, saying they are putting further pressure on cash-strapped consumers.