The trade tensions between China and the US may present an opportunity for Irish food exports, particularly Irish beef.

On Wednesday, China put new 25% tariffs on US agricultural exports, including soya beans, beef, pork and corn.

Imports of fresh boned beef, fresh boneless beef and frozen boneless beef from the US will all attract this tariff. Beijing announced the tariffs in response to White House plans to impose a 25% tariff on more than 1,300 Chinese goods entering the US.

China only reopened its market to US beef last June after being closed for 14 years following a BSE scare in 2003.

With Irish beef set to finally gain access to the large Chinese beef market in May, the spiralling trade battle between President Trump and China could present a significant opportunity. Chinese beef imports exceeded €2bn last year with demand growing rapidly.

Irish pork exports could also benefit from the new tariffs. China is Ireland’s second most important export market for pork after the UK.

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