China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports has been described by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, as a positive and welcome development for beef sector in Donegal.
Speaking after discussions between himself, the Taoiseach, Minister of State, Martin Hayden, and the Chinese premier Li Qiang, the Donegal minister confirmed the resumption of access for Irish beef exports to China after a temporary suspension was imposed in November, 2023.
“Negotiating the resumption of beef access has been a top priority for me since the temporary suspension last November. Utilising relationships that have been developed over recent years, my department has engaged at diplomatic, political and technical levels to provide the scientific and technical detail needed to reassure the Chinese authorities of the effectiveness of Ireland’s BSE controls,” Minister McConalogue said.
“These efforts culminated in the presentation of detailed epidemiological information to China in early December, and my department delivered a detailed presentation to GACC Vice Minister Li Kuiwen at a face-to-face meeting in Dublin last month. I wish to thank the Chinese experts for their positive and constructive approach to this matter,” he added.
Beef shipments to China had been suspended following the confirmation in November 2023 of an isolated case of atypical BSE. This was detected by the Department’s surveillance programme, did not enter the feed or food chain and posed no risk to human health. Atypical BSE occurs sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk.
The suspension of access to the Chinese market was entirely precautionary and in line with a protocol agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
“Ireland secured access for the export of frozen boneless beef to China in April 2018. Exports grew steadily until May 2020 when shipments were suspended in line with the sanitary agreement governing the beef trade with China. This suspension was lifted in January 2023. The value of Irish beef exports to China, were worth €20 million before the recent suspension in November 2023,” Minister McConalogue said.
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