SAUDI Arabia has lifted a ban imposed on imports of live animals and birds from South Africa, traders in the kingdom said on Tuesday. “The sanction has been lifted nearly two weeks ago,” one trader said in Dammam. A copy of the memorandum said: “We have received a letter…regarding the lifting of a temporary ban imposed on animals and birds from the state of South Africa. Please be informed.” Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter and producer, imports millions of live sheep and cattle annually, especially around the time of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ended last week, and the pilgrimage season, which starts in early March.