Chinese imports of beef and sheep meat showed contrasting trends last year, according to the UK-based meat marketing body AHDB Beef and Lamb. There was a sharp rise of almost 60% in imports and the demand for beef and veal increased significantly from the previous year. In total, Chinese imports of beef and veal amounted to 474,000t.
This differs hugely from the trends on the sheep market, which suffered a 21% decline. Lower domestic demand combined with increased domestic production meant it was a particularly more difficult market. As a result of this, the import price reduced by 17%.
Irish exports to China
Since 2009, trade into China has sharply increased and imports of beef and veal have consistently improved, with 2015 being the highest so far. Sheep imports have also been steadily increasing since 2009 and last year saw the first drop in the figures.
The high demand for beef imports comes after Ireland obtained approval for beef exports to the Chinese market. Inspectors from a high-level team in China arrived in Ireland last month to carry out inspections.
The trends in the sheep market affected exports from both New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand suffered a 13% drop to 139,000t and Australia was down to 81,000t, back over a quarter.
Total Chinese imports amounted to 222,000t as shipments from other countries only accounted for 1% of the total last year.
Read more
Five Chinese inspectors to meet Department of Agriculture over beef trade
Market opportunities in China
Chinese imports of beef and sheep meat showed contrasting trends last year, according to the UK-based meat marketing body AHDB Beef and Lamb. There was a sharp rise of almost 60% in imports and the demand for beef and veal increased significantly from the previous year. In total, Chinese imports of beef and veal amounted to 474,000t.
This differs hugely from the trends on the sheep market, which suffered a 21% decline. Lower domestic demand combined with increased domestic production meant it was a particularly more difficult market. As a result of this, the import price reduced by 17%.
Irish exports to China
Since 2009, trade into China has sharply increased and imports of beef and veal have consistently improved, with 2015 being the highest so far. Sheep imports have also been steadily increasing since 2009 and last year saw the first drop in the figures.
The high demand for beef imports comes after Ireland obtained approval for beef exports to the Chinese market. Inspectors from a high-level team in China arrived in Ireland last month to carry out inspections.
The trends in the sheep market affected exports from both New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand suffered a 13% drop to 139,000t and Australia was down to 81,000t, back over a quarter.
Total Chinese imports amounted to 222,000t as shipments from other countries only accounted for 1% of the total last year.
Read more
Five Chinese inspectors to meet Department of Agriculture over beef trade
Market opportunities in China
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