Irish beef allowed back into Chinese market

This week, China announced the reopening of its markets to Irish beef imports

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon and Bord Bia welcome the reopening of Irish beef to the Chinese market.

This week, the Chinese market has officially reopened for Irish beef, which was welcomed by members of the Irish Government and Bord Bia.

Following the announcement made by the General Administration of Customs in China (GACC) on January 12 regarding the reopening of access to the Chinese market for beef produced in Ireland, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and agriculture minister Martin Heydon, welcomed the news.

“This decision… reflects the confidence of the Chinese authorities in the robustness, transparency, and effectiveness of Ireland's animal health, traceability, and food safety systems.

This reflects a culmination of intensive political, diplomatic and official engagement since the market was temporarily suspended in September 2024," the Taoiseach said.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “Ireland’s beef production is underpinned by comprehensive surveillance, strict regulatory oversight, and internationally recognised standards, ensuring high levels of food safety and consumer protection.

The reopening of the Chinese market further underlines the strength of these systems and Ireland’s long-standing commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality agri-food production. I’d like to thank the Chinese officials who engage positively on an ongoing basis with our Beijing Embassy and with my Department.” 

Following the announcement, Bord Bia will commence a relaunch campaign to coincide with the Chinese New Year, marking the return of Irish beef to the Chinese market after exports were suspended in October 2024.

Bord Bia CEO, Jim O’Toole, has welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is positive news for the Irish beef sector, offering exporters the opportunity to broaden their market options and capture returns across a range of specialist beef cuts. In the longer term, Bord Bia, working closely with Irish exporters, is committed to building stable, sustainable growth for Irish beef in the Chinese market.” 

Bord Bia's office in Shanghai will officially relaunch Irish beef to the market in February for the Chinese New Year (February 17 - March 3) with key customers, Irish beef companies and Chinese trade media.

Over the next few months, events such as the EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign will take place, as well as industry engagements for the B2B community with chef demonstrations on how to cook Irish beef, plus the presence of Irish beef at China's largest food and drink trade fair, SIAL, in May.

Bord Bia China Manager, Sinead Kennedy, added: “With the resumption of exports, we can now dial up our activities in China. This includes promotional activities under Bord Bia's €3.45 million EU-funded campaign to promote beef and lamb, which has already been launched in Japan and Singapore.” 

Concluding, the Taoiseach said: "I look forward to the resumption of beef exports to China and to the continued constructive cooperation with the Chinese authorities to further strengthen agri-food trade between Ireland and China in a mutually beneficial manner."