Gabon faces WTO challenge over planned poultry import ban

Gabon is preparing to ban imports of broiler chicken starting January 1, 2027, as part of a national strategy to achieve food sovereignty and bolster local poultry production. The government aims to reduce its reliance on imported meat, noting that poultry imports reached $97.7 million in 2021.

This domestic policy has triggered an international trade challenge. The United States has raised concerns regarding the planned ban at the World Trade Organization (WTO). In response, the Gabonese government announced during a Council of Ministers meeting that it is developing a strategy to avoid formal litigation. Officials intend to utilize diplomatic negotiations and rely on exceptions provided within WTO agreements to defend their industrial policy and protect the emerging local sector.