Brendan Smith TD, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan has welcomed confirmation that the Chinese market has reopened to Irish beef following the suspension of exports in September 2024.
The decision by the General Administration of Customs in China (GACC) to lift the suspension is a significant development for the Irish beef sector, restoring access to an important international market.
Deputy Brendan Smith said the lifting of the suspension will help ease uncertainty across the sector.
“The suspension of exports last year created real uncertainty for farmers and processors. The reopening of the Chinese market is a positive step that brings greater confidence at a challenging time for the industry.”
He said the announcement is a reflection of the strength of Ireland’s agri-food standards and regulatory oversight:
“Ireland’s animal health, traceability and food safety standards are respected across the world. This decision is a clear endorsement of the robustness and transparency of those systems.”
He acknowledged the continuing work by Fianna Fáil to achieve this outcome.
“I want to thank both the Taoiseach and my colleague Minister Timmy Dooley for their recent efforts in Beijing, which secured the reopening of the Chinese market to Irish beef.
“Fianna Fáil is committed to maintaining access to key markets that is of huge importance for the sustainability of Irish beef production. We must continue to take all possible measures to protecting those opportunities.”
ENDS
