China has approved the resumption of wool and mohair imports from Lesotho, paving the way for the country’s most valuable livestock export industry to resume trade after months of disruption caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Selibe Mochoboroane said the approval follows months of negotiations between the Lesotho Government, Chinese authorities and South African counterparts to develop export conditions that comply with international animal health standards.
“We recently agreed on the terms under which trade will continue. We have held meetings with the Chinese Embassy and engaged with China’s customs authorities, and an announcement has now been made confirming that China has approved the continuation of trade,” Mochoboroane said.
He said veterinary officials are now finalising the remaining documentation before consignments can begin moving through the Port Elizabeth export route.
“The signing of the protocol shows that everything is now in order. What remains is for farmers to secure buyers so that trade can resume,” he said.
The Minister said the reopening of the Chinese market is an important milestone for an industry that contributes significantly to Lesotho’s economy.
“I recently visited Port Elizabeth, where I learned that the wool and mohair sector generates approximately M900 million in revenue. Working together with brokers and all stakeholders, we believe the industry has the potential to generate even more than that. That shows just how important this sector is to Lesotho,” he said.
Despite the reopening of trade, farmers will still be required to comply with strict veterinary requirements designed to prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Mochoboroane said every farmer intending to market wool and mohair must first obtain veterinary clearance before products can be accepted for auction or export.
“For farmers to sell their wool and mohair, they will need a permit from a veterinarian. Without that permit, there will be no auction or sale,” he said.
He stressed that the requirements are intended to protect Lesotho’s export reputation rather than restrict farmers’ access to markets.
“The ministry is not trying to stand in farmers’ way. Farmers have the right to choose whichever licensed broker they wish to work with, and that choice remains theirs.”
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Pabolo Nonyane said one of the conditions agreed between Lesotho and China is that wool and mohair destined for export must undergo treatment to eliminate any risk of transmitting the Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus.
“Foot-and-Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, and that virus can be inactivated through heat treatment. This is one of the methods that has been agreed upon to allow the continuation of trade with China,” she said.
Dr Nonyane said the treatment process has not yet begun because exporters and brokers must first complete the required veterinary and administrative procedures.
“We have not yet started heating the wool and mohair. We are still waiting for farmers and brokers to submit all the required documents and follow the agreed procedures before exports can begin.”
She added that the Ministry is working closely with licensed wool and mohair brokers to ensure all export conditions are met before shipments leave the country.
Dr Nonyane reminded farmers that they must obtain an AV63 movement permit before wool, mohair or livestock can legally be transported for commercial purposes.
“It is entirely up to each farmer to decide which licensed broker they want to work with. That decision belongs to the farmer.”
While farmers welcomed China’s decision to reopen its market, many said they are still waiting to be paid for wool and mohair sold before exports were suspended.
Wool and mohair farmer Khotsang Moshoeshoe said delayed payments remain a major concern for producers.
“What we are looking forward to most as wool and mohair farmers is getting paid for the wool and mohair we have already sold,” he said.
“There are farmers who had already sold their products but failed to receive their payments because they did not have a permit from the veterinary authorities.”
He said many farming households depend almost entirely on wool and mohair income and urged stakeholders to ensure outstanding payments are processed as trade resumes.
“Due payments are what we really need as farmers. Once farmers receive the money they are owed, the rest will follow. Many families are waiting for that income before they can continue investing in their livestock and prepare for the next production season.”
The reopening of the Chinese market marks one of the most significant milestones in Lesotho’s recovery from the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak and is expected to restore confidence in one of the country’s largest agricultural export industries.