China reopens market for the Irish beef
Beef shipments to China were suspended following the confirmation in May 2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of an isolated case of atypical BSE. This isolated case was detected by the department’s surveillance programme, did not enter the food chain and posed no risk to human health. Atypical BSE occurs naturally and sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk.
Nevertheless, beef exports were immediately suspended as a precautionary measure in line with the bilateral protocol on the trade agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, stated:
“Negotiating the resumption of beef access has been a top priority for my department over the last two and a half years. Together with colleagues in the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, my officials have been in ongoing contact with the Chinese authorities since the start of the suspension. They provided the necessary technical information for evaluation by Chinese experts. Earlier this year, as a result of my communication with my counterpart in charge of GACC, our officials engaged in further bilateral talks to finalise the restoration of beef access based on scientific principles.
“Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality beef worldwide hinges on its compliance with stringent animal health and food safety standards. As a major food exporter, we are always very conscious of the concerns of our customers. China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports on the same conditions as before represents a clear vote of confidence in the output of our beef sector.
This decision is a great vote of confidence in our beef sector and our committed suckler and beef farmers who produce a world class product. I look forward to seeing the value of the Chinese market grow in the time ahead to reward the efforts of everyone involved.”
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole has welcomed the lifting of the suspension by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). ‘‘This news is warmly welcomed by Bord Bia and the Irish beef industry at large. The resumption of trade is very timely given Bord Bia launched a three-year €1.3 million EU beef and lamb promotion last month to promote the safety, sustainability, and natural values of beef and lamb to Chinese consumers and customers. This campaign will intensify in the months ahead and run until May 2024.’’
’’Throughout the suspension period, our office in Shanghai has been working hard to maintain strong trade relationships with our customer base in China. In response to this announcement, we'll be working closely with our industry and their key partners in market to support the relaunch of Irish beef in China. In addition, Bord Bia will activate an Irish beef relaunch campaign, which will include trade seminars, chef demonstrations and media influencer activity to ensure all potential opportunities are explored. In the coming months, Bord Bia will also participate in two high profile meat trade shows; the China International Meat Industry Exhibition (CIMIE) scheduled to take place in April and SIAL China, taking place in May, while further activities will be planned in due course.’’
Speaking from Shanghai, Bord Bia’s China Manager, Conor O’Sullivan added ’’This news is coming at a time when China is reopening up after nearly three years of tight Covid-19 controls. There is a renewed optimism in the market, an eagerness to do business and prospects for growth are strong. Favourable market conditions, coupled with the reopening of the foodservice sector in China, where Irish product was previously most commonly placed, means Ireland is well positioned to rebuild our beef trade with China.’’
’’Following the granting of access in 2018, Irish beef exports to China were on a sharp upward trajectory, rising from just over €2 million in 2018 to almost €40 million in 2019, the last full year of trade. In 2020, beef exports were on track to far exceed 2019 levels, with January to May figures having more than doubled compared to the same period in the previous year. I look forward to working with Irish exporters to re-establish our market position and help the industry maximise the returns from this high potential market.’’
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