China approves imports of Italian beef
Is the Chinese market lost for Irish and Brazilian beef exporters? Both are subject to a ban placed on beef due to atypical BSE cases and, so far, there is no sign of resuming imports, while other suppliers are allowed to enter the Chinese beef market. The latest is Italy who received the green light for beff exports to China a week ago, according to an announcment made by China’s customs administration.
In 2020 total Chinese beef imports were a massive 1.7 million tonnes, and levels are forecast to increase further this year. Securing a foothold once more in this market is considered essential for any beef supplier in the world.
Besides Brazil, Ireland is also on a blacklist since May last year and Argentine suspended its beef exports to China between May and September 2021. Brazil voluntarily suspended its sales to the Chinese market after the confirmation of two atypical cases of “mad cow” disease in Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais. Although sales have been halted by the decision of the Brazilian government, it is up to China to determine the end of the embargo, which has not yet occurred. Regarding Ireland, over a year ago beef exports to China were also suspended following the discovery of an atypical BSE case. The temporary suspension in May 2020 was a major setback for Ireland, given the time and energy that was invested over the previous decade in securing access to the Chinese market.
Italy looks like a good replacement for Brazilian and Irish beef imports although production has been impacted by the COVID crisis.Of course, it can never replace totally the volumes exported by Brazil but it can really compete against Ireland. Meantime, China has increased beef imports from the US, New Zealand, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.
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