Bord Bia reactivates €1.6m China campaign after resumption of Irish beef exports 

"Immediate interest from Chinese buyers" reported by Bord Bia after ban lifted

Print

Print

News

The resumption of Irish beef exports to China after a ten week suspension by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), was confirmed earlier this week by The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole welcomed the lifting of the suspension by the GACC.

“This is welcome news for the Irish beef sector and allows our beef exporters to immediately re-commence trade with their Chinese customers,” O’Toole said.

“In response to [the] news, Bord Bia has reactivated our €1.6 million EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign in China,” he continued. “As part of the campaign, we will be inviting Irish exporters to exhibit at SIAL China, a high profile meat trade show held in Shanghai in May. We will also host Irish beef information seminars in Beijing in March and Shanghai in May, inviting Chinese beef buyers and stakeholders.”

In May 2020, shipments of Irish beef to China were suspended following an isolated case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Although atypical BSE is not considered a public health risk, beef exports were immediately suspended as a precautionary measure under the bilateral protocol on trade agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

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. 

Speaking from Shanghai, Bord Bia’s China manager, Conor O’Sullivan said: “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.

“When the Chinese market reopened in January 2023, after the previous suspension, there was immediate interest from Chinese buyers,” he added. “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.”

Related Articles

Hemp Heros lead to way in sustainability with new B Corp Certification →

Shortcross releases two unique Irish Whiskeys →

Almost €100,000 raised at TWIG 2024 networking lunch →

Madrí Excepcional Hosts LVA delegation at La Sagra Brewery →