The news the Chinese market is once again open for Irish beef exports is very welcome for farmers.
China is the second most populous country in the world and has a population of 1.4 billion people.
It has huge potential for beef sales from Ireland, even if exports from here were low in the past.
In 2019, the last full year of beef exports to China, Ireland sent 8,200 tonnes of frozen beef worth €40m.
Then in 2020, the first closure of China to Irish beef occurred due to the detection of a case of atypical BSE in ireland.
Following extensive consultation between Irish and Chinese veterinary authorities over a number of years, the market reopened again in January last year.
Exports resumed in April and had ramped up to a total value of €16m when another case of atypical BSE was detected in a dead ten-year-old cow in the west of Ireland. That was last November.
Once again, the export protocol agreed between the two governments for BSE cases kicked in, and beef sales to China immediately stopped.
Now, following Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit, exports will soon begin again.
Despite the size and obvious potential in China for Irish beef, the economy there is currently slowing, meaning other markets will remain the key focus for Irish farmers.
Of them, the UK is the most important.
Meat and Livestock Manager with Bord Bia Joe Burke said it was important to have access to multiple markets.
“Irish beef exports to the UK were valued at €1.3 billion in 2023,” Mr Burke said.
“The UK took 47% of Irish beef exports last year, with 5% of beef exports destined for international markets including China.
“China and other international markets are important to the overall market portfolio by providing diversification and stability in market options.”
