Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s state visit to China this week marks a pivotal moment for bilateral relations, as businesses seek to revitalize trade channels disrupted by recent regulatory hurdles. The trip—the first by an Irish prime minister to the Chinese mainland in 14 years—includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, underscoring efforts to deepen economic collaboration.
China and Ireland recorded $23.4 billion in bilateral trade in 2024, with Ireland maintaining a rare EU trade surplus with the Asian giant. Key sectors like agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and aviation leasing dominate exchanges. Liam Queally of Queally Group, a major Irish agri-food exporter, emphasized China’s untapped potential: "It’s a huge market with growing demand for protein. Resolving regulatory barriers could unlock beef and pet food exports."
Irish beef exports to China, suspended in late 2023 after a BSE case, resumed in January 2024 but remain below pre-2023 levels. Stakeholders hope Martin’s visit will finalize lingering trade conditions discussed through late 2025.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s historic Shannon Free Zone—a model for China’s economic reforms—continues to inspire collaboration. Chad Huang of Teng Long Aviation Group Ireland highlighted new projects in Hainan’s Free Trade Port, leveraging zero-tariff policies to expand aviation leasing ties. "Hainan’s openness mirrors Ireland’s success in attracting global investment," Huang noted.
As cross-sector partnerships gain momentum, this visit could redefine Europe-Asia trade dynamics in 2026.
