According to the Central Statistics Office, the volume of raw beef imports has varied between 30,000 and 37,000 tonnes between 2019 and 2023 yielding an annual average quantity of 33,600 tonnes over that period.
The modest level of beef imports must be seen in the context of, and compared to, an annual average volume of 495,000 tonnes of beef exported during the same five-year period. Fluctuations in the overall volume and value of beef imports and exports are part of the normal ebb and flow of international trade. Nevertheless, cumulative beef imports accounted for 6 to 7 percent of the total value and volume of beef exports in the period from 2019 to 2023.
It is clear, therefore, that beef imports constitute only a minor proportion of our exports and that Ireland benefits greatly from operating both within the EU single market and from free trade within a wider rules-based global trading environment. The beef sector is highly export oriented with some 90 per cent of domestic production regularly consigned to more than 60 external markets.
I am confident that the outlook for the Irish beef industry remains positive. The schemes that I have introduced during my tenure as Minister is proof of my commitment to developing the sustainability – economic, environmental and social – of primary beef production. These supports, whether EU co-funded or exchequer-funded, along with adequate market returns will ensure that our beef farmers will continue to produce the raw material to enable the industry compete successfully overseas.
At the other end of the production cycle, I have led Ministerial trade missions all around the world together with my Ministerial colleagues in the Department to promote opportunities for our agri-food sector including, of course, beef exports.
In line with the ambitious strategy set out in Food Vision 2030, my present and future focus is on developing more market opportunities at home and abroad while providing targeted measures to support the competitiveness and productivity of primary producers.
