RismadarVoice Reporters
January 6, 2026
Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheal Martin is holding high level trade discussions in Beijing aimed at strengthening economic ties with China, with particular focus on beef exports and dairy tariffs.
The talks form part of the Prime Minister’s five day visit to China and follow his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday. Discussions covered bilateral relations as well as broader ties between China and the European Union.
Prime Minister Martin said the trade engagement has a strong economic dimension, noting that issues surrounding Irish beef exports to China and the tariff regime affecting dairy products are central to the discussions. He stated that President Xi had indicated willingness to engage Chinese officials on these specific concerns.
Describing his meeting with President Xi as warm and constructive, Martin said both sides also discussed the need for a broader framework to guide future trade relations between China and Europe.
President Xi reportedly emphasized that China and the European Union should consider long term interests when addressing trade issues.
Ireland is among Europe’s largest exporters of dairy products, shipping goods worth about six billion euros annually, while its beef and dairy industries remain major employers and contributors to the national economy.
Irish beef exports to China have been suspended since 2024 following a reported case of mad cow disease, though Irish authorities say progress is being made towards resuming shipments.
China recently introduced new import quotas, additional tariffs on beef, a move that has affected global suppliers, added pressure on exporters. Irish beef also faces increasing competition from lower priced South American imports.
China European Union relations have remained strained since the introduction of levies on Chinese electric vehicle imports in 2024, which triggered retaliatory measures including tariffs on European dairy products.
Prime Minister Martin, the first Irish leader to visit China since 2012, has reiterated Ireland’s support for open trade and dialogue, stressing the importance of long term strategic engagement with China despite wider geopolitical tensions.
