The Taoiseach has confirmed that China has agreed to reopen its market to Irish beef.
It comes following Micheál Martin’s visit to China last week during which he pushed officials on the issue.
After the visit, Chinese state media said that the government wanted to broaden trade with Ireland, but did not mention beef.
This morning, though, the Taoiseach, said China had agreed to his request.
“The confirmation today that the Chinese market will reopen for Irish beef is a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China.
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.”
China is seen as a huge potential market for Irish beef. Last week Vietnam agreed to reopen its market to Ireland.
Ireland has a rocky history with China over beef.
China closed their market to Irish beef in 2020 over fears of mad cow disease entering the food chain.
The market reopened in 2023, but closed again in 2024.
The government has been working to reassure China that Irish beef is safe.