Irish Beef Leaders Warn China Trade Model Is ‘Unworkable’
‘Stop Start Trade is Unworkable’: China Beef Suspension Sparks Policy Calls
Ireland’s beef industry has warned that the repeated suspension and reopening of the Chinese market is commercially unworkable. This follows China’s latest halt on Irish beef imports.
According to reporting by Business Post, senior figures from some of Ireland’s largest beef processors have urged the government to review export protocols and contingency arrangements. They argue that recurring trade disruptions are undermining long-term market confidence.
China is regarded as a strategic, high value destination for Irish beef, particularly for fifth quarter cuts and premium products that are harder to place in European markets. Industry leaders say frequent suspensions — triggered by animal health incidents — are making it increasingly difficult to maintain customer relationships.
The most recent suspension follows renewed animal health concerns, just weeks after the Chinese market had reopened to Irish beef. While the measures are permitted under existing bilateral protocols, processors argue that the all-or-nothing nature of suspensions leaves exporters exposed. As a result, they are vulnerable to sudden shocks.
Industry representatives are now calling for policy changes, including greater use of regionalisation, risk-based controls and improved disease resilience. They want these steps to prevent nationwide bans being imposed for localised incidents.
Source: Business Post | 31 January 2026
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