China has agreed to drop its ban on Irish beef imports, the Government has confirmed. The news follows Taoiseach Micheál Martin's trip to China last week during which President Xi Jinping told Mr Martin the ban would be reviewed. In a joint statement, Mr Martin and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon welcomed the reopening of the Chinese market for Irish beef following an announcement by the General Administration of Customs in China (GACC). “This reflects a culmination of intensive political, diplomatic and official engagement since the market was temporarily suspended in September 2024." "The reopening of the Chinese market further underlines the strength of these systems and Ireland’s long-standing commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality agri-food production.

Source: Irish Examiner January 12, 2026 14:48 UTC