The Chinese market is to reopen for Irish beef imports.
The market had been closed since September 2024, following the discovery of an atypical case of BSE in a cow in Ireland.
Under trade arrangements with China, the discovery led to an immediate suspension of exports.
Efforts to lift the ban had been ongoing for some time and that has happened days after the Taoiseach's visit to China.
During the trip, Micheál Martin pressed for the market to be reopened.
He met China's President Xi Jinping and Chair of the National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji.
Mr Martin and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon have both welcomed the news.
In a post on X, Mr Martin said: "The confirmation today that the Chinese market will reopen for Irish beef is a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China."
Minister Heydon said the move underlines the strength of Ireland's internationally recognised high standards in beef production, which includes comprehensive surveillance and strict regulatory oversight.
The confirmation today that the Chinese market will reopen for Irish beef is a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China. pic.twitter.com/qP16DAOe9F
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 12, 2026
Bord Bia said today it will start a relaunch campaign to coincide with Chinese New Year to mark the return of Irish beef to the Chinese market.
Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole said this was positive news for the Irish beef sector, offering exporters the opportunity to broaden their market options and capture returns across a range of specialist beef cuts.
"In the longer term, Bord Bia, working closely with Irish exporters, is committed to building stable, sustainable growth for Irish beef in the Chinese market," he added.
Sinead Kennedy, Bord Bia China Manager, said that ord Bia has continuously engaged with Chinese importers, many of whom remain committed to working with Irish suppliers to develop opportunities in both foodservice and retail.
"With the resumption of exports, we can now dial up our activities in China. This includes promotional activities under Bord Bia's €3.45m EU-funded campaign to promote beef and lamb, which has already been launched in Japan and Singapore," she added.
Additional reporting PA
