Minister McConalogue Unfazed by China's Investigation into EU Dairy Subsidies
Source: DairyNews.today
Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, has expressed confidence that China's recent investigation into European Union subsidies for dairy farmers will not result in trade restrictions.
Speaking from Beijing during a trade mission to China, Minister McConalogue assured that both EU-wide and Irish-specific supports for the dairy industry are fully compliant with international trade regulations.
"We're very confident in our compliance with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. This is not something that concerns me from a compliance standpoint, as I believe we can effectively address any issues in collaboration with the European Commission," McConalogue stated in an interview with The Irish Times.
The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of Beijing’s announcement last month of an investigation into EU subsidies for dairy products exported to China. This move by China's commerce ministry is seen by many as a retaliatory response to the European Commission's plans to impose significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
During his visit, Minister McConalogue met with several senior Chinese officials, including Agriculture Minister Han Jun, Customs Minister Yu Jinhua, and Customs Vice-Minister Wang Lingjun. He emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for Irish dairy exports, which currently account for about 6% of Ireland's overall dairy exports. McConalogue also highlighted the potential for further growth in this market.
"My visit here is timely, as it allows us to reiterate our position, provide reassurance on our compliance, and explore new business opportunities for the dairy sector and other industries," he added.
The trade mission to China and South Korea, in which Minister McConalogue is joined by Minister of State Martin Heydon, focuses on expanding market access for Irish agri-food products. This visit marks McConalogue's second trip to both countries within 18 months and follows the recent reopening of Chinese and South Korean markets to Irish beef.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges in China, including slowing growth and weakened consumer confidence, McConalogue remained optimistic about the future potential of the market for Irish beef, which is positioned as a premium product.
"Demand isn't as robust as it once was, but there are still significant opportunities here. Our beef companies see real potential for growth in this market moving forward," he concluded.
"We're very confident in our compliance with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. This is not something that concerns me from a compliance standpoint, as I believe we can effectively address any issues in collaboration with the European Commission," McConalogue stated in an interview with The Irish Times.
The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of Beijing’s announcement last month of an investigation into EU subsidies for dairy products exported to China. This move by China's commerce ministry is seen by many as a retaliatory response to the European Commission's plans to impose significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
During his visit, Minister McConalogue met with several senior Chinese officials, including Agriculture Minister Han Jun, Customs Minister Yu Jinhua, and Customs Vice-Minister Wang Lingjun. He emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for Irish dairy exports, which currently account for about 6% of Ireland's overall dairy exports. McConalogue also highlighted the potential for further growth in this market.
"My visit here is timely, as it allows us to reiterate our position, provide reassurance on our compliance, and explore new business opportunities for the dairy sector and other industries," he added.
The trade mission to China and South Korea, in which Minister McConalogue is joined by Minister of State Martin Heydon, focuses on expanding market access for Irish agri-food products. This visit marks McConalogue's second trip to both countries within 18 months and follows the recent reopening of Chinese and South Korean markets to Irish beef.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges in China, including slowing growth and weakened consumer confidence, McConalogue remained optimistic about the future potential of the market for Irish beef, which is positioned as a premium product.
"Demand isn't as robust as it once was, but there are still significant opportunities here. Our beef companies see real potential for growth in this market moving forward," he concluded.
