Irish Beef Imports Reach 10 Year High
Irish beef sector questions impact of global trade
Irish beef imports reached their highest level in a decade during 2025, raising concerns among some politicians and farming groups.
According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, Ireland imported around 40,000 tonnes of beef last year, the highest level recorded in ten years.
Peadar Tóibín described the figures as “shocking,” arguing that rising imports could increase competitive pressure on domestic beef producers.
Imports from Brazil have also grown over the past decade, rising from 22 tonnes in 2016 to approximately 172 tonnes in 2025. The trend has prompted renewed debate over EU trade agreements with South American countries and their impact on European livestock sectors.
Industry observers say the figures highlight the complex dynamics of global beef trade, even in countries with strong domestic production.
Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 10 March 2026
Read full article Share on X