Exports to China jump 270% in five years

Irish agri-food exports to China have grown over 270% to €620m in the past five years, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told those gathered at a major China-Ireland Food Safety Forum in Kildare.

Bi Jingquan, China’s minister with responsibility for the China Food and Drug Administration, was joint host of the dairy and infant formula-focused forum at the Department of Agriculture’s complex in Backweston, Co Kildare.

Mr Coveney said: “Our agri-food exports to China have grown over 270% to €620m in just five years and this year alone dairy exports from Ireland to China are up 25% on last year.