In September, the Government reversed its earlier implementation of an import ban on South African maize meal products, which was imposed in May to protect local producers from lower-priced imports. Currently individuals or families are able to import up to 50 kg per month of maize meal. In more recent developments, parliament has pushed to further relax restrictions and raise the import allowance to at least 100 kg per month, reflecting the persisting and adverse impact of El-Niño-induced drought on 2016 domestic production and subsequent general price increase. However, no final decision has been made.