Imports of Irish beef to China reached a new record high in August at 907t, up from 685t in July, according to China’s leading agriculture and food consultants, BOABC.

However, CSO export figures here suggest Ireland’s exports to China in August were static at 804t, compared with 813t in July. The difference is likely explained by disruption to supplies caused by factory gate protests.

The latest figures indicate that 4,650t of Irish beef has been exported to China so far this year, four times more than the 202t exported in 2018.

Irish pigmeat exports to China are predicted to grow to 80,000t this year, say Bord Bia.

African swine fever

African Swine Fever, which has no cure, has driven a surge in demand for all types of meat imports as mass pig deaths and cullings continue. China’s domestic pigmeat production has fallen sharply. The disease has devastated pig farms across several provinces, as farmers struggle to recover their livestock numbers.

In September, Chinese authorities approved 30 more South American beef factories

Australia and South American countries are benefiting the most from the demand. Australia’s beef exports to China have grown to 282,634t in the year to September 2019, a 49% increase on the previous year according to Meat and Livestock Australia.

In September, Chinese authorities approved 30 more South American beef factories, as well as three from Ukraine and one from Lithuania.

Meanwhile, 15 Irish factories are waiting for the result of the audits by Chinese health inspectors last August.

The demand in China for meat of all kind is also expected to affect the sheepmeat trade in Europe. The European Commission is forecasting a 16% decline in EU imports from New Zealand this year, caused by a corresponding increase in New Zealand exports to China.

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Beef exports up and imports down in EU short-term outlook

African swine fever driving Irish and EU pig prices