Vietnam has officially opened its market to beef imports from Ireland, marking a significant step forward in bilateral agri-food trade. The announcement was made by Martin Heydon, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Noel Grealish, Minister of State for New Markets.
Under the new agreement, a wide range of Irish beef products can now be exported to Vietnam, including fresh beef, minced meat, meat preparations, heart, liver, kidney, and cooked beef products. The move expands Ireland’s global beef footprint, bringing the number of export destinations for Irish beef to more than 70 markets worldwide.
Vietnam, the world’s 14th most populous country with over 100 million people, has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns, including increased dining out, are driving higher demand for beef, which is viewed as a premium protein in the country. Limited domestic production and a growing food service sector further support import demand.
Minister Heydon noted that Vietnam had been identified as a priority market for Irish beef access. He highlighted sustained political and diplomatic engagement between the two countries, including official visits and audit processes, as key to securing approval. Minister Grealish described the decision as recognition of Ireland’s high food safety standards and said officials from both sides worked closely to agree on trading conditions following a positive audit outcome.
Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole welcomed the development, saying Vietnam represents a promising market. Bord Bia is commissioning market research to provide Irish exporters with insights into opportunities and entry strategies in Vietnam’s expanding beef sector.
Source: Agriland
