Access to China will protect Ireland from Brexit impacts

MEP Colm Markey has said that the resumption of beef exports to the lucrative Chinese market “will insulate the Irish beef sector from Brexit exposure”. He stated that the UK previously accounted for a huge portion of the beef export market, totaling 79% in the first six months of 2021. As a result, Brexit left the Irish market exposed and it is important that the government focusses on alleviating that. ”We must be acutely aware that the impacts of Brexit could mean a smaller percentage share of the UK market as the UK strikes deals with other countries such as New Zealand and Australia,” he said. The midlands north west MEP outlined that the Chinese market is worth roughly €100 million and access to it will lead to a significant increase in demand, which should create a stronger bottom line for farmers. He said it is “essential” that farmers are the ones who experience the full benefit of the development, as they try to cope with rising input prices. Advertisement “With the ...