'Great to see Irish beef back on the menu’: Fianna Fáil MEP welcomes reopening of Chinese market for Irish beef

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan Meets with MEP Barry Cowen in March 2025

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the confirmation given today (12 January) that China has lifted its ban on Irish beef and reopened its market to Irish exporters. The move marks a major boost for the sector following the temporary suspension of trade in late 2024.

The Fianna Fáil MEP has held several meetings in recent months with representatives of the Chinese Government on the issue, and was glad to see the positive feedback he received now translated into action. He also commended Government colleagues, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin for their work lobbying on the issue. 

MEP Cowen said the decision is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s world-leading animal health, traceability and food safety systems, and reflects the confidence of Chinese authorities in the quality and integrity of Irish beef production.

He noted that Irish beef exports are already performing strongly, with overall exports up 7% year on year, and said that the reopening of the Chinese market will further support this growth by giving exporters access to one of the world’s largest and most valuable consumer markets.

The Midlands North-West MEP emphasised that expanding and diversifying export destinations is critical for protecting farm incomes and building long-term resilience in the agri-food sector, particularly at a time of global uncertainty and shifting trade patterns.

MEP Cowen also said the episode highlights the importance of robust monitoring and control of zoonotic and animal health risks, adding that Ireland’s rapid, transparent and science-based response was central to restoring market access and international confidence.

The Fianna Fáil MEP reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Irish farmers and exporters through his work on the European Parliament’s Agriculture and International Trade Committees, and to ensuring that high-quality Irish food products continue to secure new and growing markets worldwide.

Barry Cowen MEP said: “The reopening of the Chinese market today is a hugely important step for Irish beef farmers and exporters, and a clear recognition of the quality, safety and traceability of the product we produce here in Ireland.

“With overall beef exports already up 7% year on year, restoring access to a major market like China strengthens our momentum and underlines the importance of building diverse, high-value export outlets for Irish agriculture.

“In an increasingly uncertain global trading environment, diversification of markets is essential. Securing and maintaining access to key destinations like China gives our farming sector greater stability and protects rural livelihoods.

“This decision also highlights how vital it is, on top of our investment in tackling TB, that we stay on top of zoonotic and more general animal health risks. Ireland’s rigorous surveillance and swift, transparent response played a crucial role in maintaining international confidence and reopening this market.”

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