China will lift its import ban on beef from over 30-month cattle from the US as part of the phase one trade agreement between the two countries.

This, along with an agreement to accept US cattle traceability standards and maximum residue levels for three hormones used in the US, means that beef from most American cattle will be eligible for the Chinese market.

Irish exports to China remain confined to boneless frozen beef from cattle under 30 months.

The US is considered a negligible BSE risk country, whereas Ireland’s BSE rating means it remains a controlled risk country.