Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
740. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest data on the volume and value of Brazilian and other third-country beef imports into Ireland and the EU in 2025 and to date in 2026; his views on whether such imports are undermining the Irish beef sector amid domestic supply constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTable 1 below shows the latest data available from the Central Statistics Office on total beef imports to Ireland from third countries in 2025 and to date (January to March) in 2026. It should be noted this data is provisional and subject to ongoing revision.
Table 1. Irish Imports of Beef from Third Countries
|
|
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
|
Origin |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Brazil |
1,701 |
172 |
1,340 |
229 |
|
Other Third Countries |
264,295 |
37,152 |
75,836 |
10,855 |
|
Total |
265,996 |
37,324 |
77,176 |
11,084 |
Table 2 details the latest data available from Eurostat on total beef imported by EU member states from third countries in 2025 and to date (January to March) in 2026. It should be noted this data is provisional and subject to ongoing revision.
Table 2. EU Imports of Beef from Third Countries
|
|
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
|
Origin |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Brazil |
715,006 |
92,357 |
216,133 |
29,006 |
|
Other Third Countries |
2,701,540 |
280,713 |
594,191 |
61,043 |
|
Total |
3,416,546 |
373,070 |
810,324 |
90,049 |
Regarding the Irish beef sector, Ireland is among the largest net exporters of beef globally, with exports valued at a record €3.6 billion in 2025, an increase of €540 million, or 17%, from 2024. Irish beef imports during the same period remained relatively low by comparison, equating to 8% and 9% of beef export value and volume respectively. In terms of supply, Ireland remained the sixth largest producer of beef in the EU in 2025, with up to 90% of beef produced in Ireland destined for export. My Department continues to closely monitor developments in the beef sector.
