Irish Beef Trade with China Hits Another Dead End
Stop Start China Access Undermines Irish Beef Strategy
Hopes of building a meaningful Irish beef trade with China have been effectively extinguished once again. This follows the suspension of imports just weeks after the market reopened.
According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, the discovery of bluetongue virus in a cattle herd in Co Wexford has triggered an immediate halt to Irish beef exports to China. This action is taken under the strict animal health protocols governing access to the market.
The latest suspension comes on the back of years of stop start access, with Irish beef previously locked out of China due to atypical BSE cases. While the most recent reopening was welcomed by exporters and policymakers, industry figures now say the repeated disruptions have made it impossible to establish a commercially viable trading relationship.
Processors and exporters argue that the Chinese market’s zero tolerance approach to animal disease incidents, combined with Ireland’s high surveillance and reporting standards, leaves the sector uniquely exposed to sudden shutdowns. Furthermore, even isolated or low-risk detections can result in a complete market suspension. This occurs regardless of regional containment.
Industry leaders quoted by the Irish Farmers Journal warn that China can no longer be treated as a dependable destination for Irish beef. This is particularly true when investment in market development, plant approvals and customer relationships can be wiped out overnight.
The frustration is compounded by the fact that beef exports to China represent a strategic outlet for fifth-quarter cuts, helping maximise carcase value. Without reliable access, processors must redirect product into already competitive EU and UK markets. As a result, this increases pressure on prices and margins.
Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 8 February 2026
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