Minister Dooley leads agri-food trade mission to China

Bord Bia China manager, Sinéad Kennedy (left) and minister Timmy Dooley (right) at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo 2025, Asia’s premier seafood trade event.

This week, an agri-food trade mission to China in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland was led by minister of state with responsibility for fisheries, Timmy Dooley.

In 2024, Irish agri-food exports to China were valued at €614 million. The focus of the trade mission was to showcase Ireland as a source of high-quality agri-food produce to the Chinese market.

The trade mission will include government-to-government meetings, a series of trade events, seminars and several customer meetings.

As part of the trade mission, Bord Bia is hosting nine Irish seafood companies at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo 2025, which runs from October 29 to 31, at the Hongdao International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The expo is recognised as Asia’s premier seafood trade event, and is expected to attract around 50,000 professional visitors from over 130 countries.

Traditionally, China has been an important market for the export of Irish pelagic fish, examples include mackerel or herring, but in recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop opportunities for premium shellfish such as crab and langoustine.

In 2024, Ireland exported approximately 157,000 tonnes of seafood to more than 70 markets worldwide. Total exports were valued at almost €600 million, representing an increase of 9% on 2023.

At the expo, the minister met with eight Irish seafood companies that operate in the Chinese market to discuss market expansion opportunities.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley said: “China represents one of the most important growth markets for Irish seafood, particularly for our premium shellfish and pelagic species. 

"This week’s trade mission and participation at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo provide valuable platforms to showcase Ireland’s seafood offering, build commercial partnerships, and reinforce Ireland’s strong reputation as a supplier of high-quality food products.” 

Ahead of the expo, Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine co-hosted a seafood trade reception in Qingdao, bringing together Irish exporters with key Chinese seafood importers, distributors, and industry partners.

The event aimed to deepen business relationships and identify new trade opportunities for Irish seafood in the Chinese market.

Speaking in Qingdao today, Bord Bia’s recently appointed China Manager, Sinéad Kennedy, said: “Irish seafood enjoys an excellent reputation internationally. 

"Chinese consumers are seeking premium imported seafood, and Ireland’s reputation for safety, traceability, and high-quality produce positions our exporters strongly. The number of Irish seafood exporters supplying the Chinese market is growing year on year, which is very promising for the industry.”