The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed the resumption of Irish beef exports to China after a ten week suspension by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole has welcomed the lifting of the suspension by the GACC, stating, “This is welcome news for the Irish beef sector and allows our beef exporters to immediately re-commence trade with their Chinese customers.” As part of the response to this positive development, Bord Bia has reactivated our €1.6 million EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign in China. We will be inviting Irish exporters to exhibit at SIAL China, a high profile meat trade show held in Shanghai in May. Additionally, we will host Irish beef information seminars in Beijing in March and Shanghai in May, inviting Chinese beef buyers and stakeholders.
According to CSO figures, over 3,200 tonnes of Irish beef, valued at €19.7 million, was exported to China in 2023 prior to the November suspension. This underscores the significance of the resumption of beef exports to China for the Irish beef sector.
Bord Bia’s China Manager, Conor O’Sullivan, further emphasized the potential for growth in the Chinese beef market, stating, “Since Irish beef was first granted access to the Chinese market in 2018, Bord Bia’s Shanghai office and Irish exporters have been building close trading relationships with Chinese customers. The medium term forecast for the Chinese beef market is positive as we expect Chinese consumer demand for beef to grow steadily throughout the year. I look forward to once again working with Irish exporters to build the long term opportunities for Irish beef in the Chinese market.”
