John Lahart
Question:92. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's position in relation to trade with China. [8732/26]
View answerThursday, 5 February 2026
Questions (92)
Written answers
Ireland wants to see a balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial trading relationship with China. Along with our EU partners, we want to protect and grow our trade, within the rules-based multilateral trading system in which we operate. Ireland’s economy is one of the most open in the world and our approach is anchored in global trading norms. This very much informs how we approach our external economic engagement, including with China. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship with China, and our trade and economic relationship is not considered separately from our values and other priorities.
China and Ireland have significant economic ties and expanding people-to-people links. China is Ireland's largest trading partner in Asia, and we are interested in strengthening our engagement further in a number of areas. Ireland’s economic and trading relationship with China is informed by our support for accelerating the market diversification agenda as a means to encourage competitiveness and resilience. The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification, a joint initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, is an important element of Ireland’s response to the ongoing uncertainties in the global trading environment. On 23 January, I chaired a meeting of the Government Trade Forum and updated stakeholders on the implementation of the Action Plan, which is proceeding on a whole-of-government basis, and will be kept under review by the Government Trade Forum.
The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Ireland's exports and imports. The latest available data from 2024 shows that Ireland's goods exports to China were valued at €10.068 billion and goods imports at €11.843 billion. Services exports to China in 2024 are valued at €12.741 billion and services imports €4.670 billion. Ireland’s exports to China are driven by medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and computer services as well as agrifood and, increasingly, financial services.
In line with the Government’s commitment to build long-term, strategic relationships across the Asia Pacific region, the Taoiseach travelled to China in January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai. The programme included a series of engagements aimed at supporting the work of Ireland’s State Agencies in China. As part of the visit, the Taoiseach met with business leaders and investors, across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, further and higher education, and food and beverages. The Government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s important economic and trading relationship with China.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 80.