Senators from two of the leading U.S. poultry-producing states are seeking leverage to force South Africa to drop its tariffs on imports of U.S. poultry meat, says the New York Times. The group says South Africa should not be given preferential treatment as part of a U.S. initiative, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, to spur economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The program allows duty-free entry to the United States for some African products. South Africa says its duties are a defense against the dumping of U.S. chicken meat at less than the cost of production. “Chicken producers have been pressing the White House on the issue, and lawmakers are considering dropping South Africa from the trade deal, which is scheduled to expire this year if not extended, unless the country relents,” says the Times.