China halts Irish beef imports over bluetongue disease concerns
China suspended imports of Irish beef after authorities confirmed an outbreak of the bluetongue virus in County Wexford, a setback for exporters barely two weeks after the Chinese market reopened to Irish meat.
The Department of Agriculture said it notified Beijing of the confirmed cases, and that Chinese authorities “subsequently informed us that they have suspended the acceptance of Irish beef exported from Ireland with effect from 27 January 2026.”
Minister Heydon described the move as a temporary measure. “As with all…